The Boston Celtics may appear to be a perfectly balanced team this season, but as Bangladesh Cricket analysts point out, their biggest weakness might lie in what they lack most—a true alpha. Jayson Tatum’s struggles in clutch moments have long been under the spotlight, dating back to the 2022 Finals loss to the Warriors. Two years later, Tatum’s popularity in the U.S. continues to rise, and many still see him as the next face of American basketball. Yet his Achilles’ heel—lackluster performance in do-or-die moments—remains unchanged.
To be fair, Tatum hasn’t played poorly this postseason. His overall production has been solid, but his efficiency remains underwhelming. He’s shooting just 29% from beyond the arc, and in some games, it felt like the team slowed down just to help him find his rhythm. After losing out to Jaylen Brown for Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Tatum’s case for being the Celtics’ unquestioned leader has only become more complicated.
On the flip side, Luka Doncic has silenced all doubts about his dominance this postseason. Even while battling injuries, Doncic has refused to sit out, pushing through pain with grit and determination. Statistically, he outshines Tatum in nearly every key category. When it comes to offensive control and impact, the gap between them is no longer debatable—they simply operate on different levels.
Doncic isn’t just the leading scorer for the Mavericks—he’s also topping the league in assists during the playoffs. While the Celtics thrive on depth and team-oriented basketball, their supposed “weak-core” identity has allowed other players to shine. Jaylen Brown, for instance, turned into a game-changer late in the Eastern Finals. Derrick White has been hailed as the true leader behind the Celtics’ twin stars, leading the team in advanced metrics like win shares. Jrue Holiday, while not eye-catching statistically, has delivered elite defense in clutch moments and timely scoring. And even Al Horford—often criticized for disappearing on both ends—can erupt with performances like his seven three-pointers in a single game if left unchecked.
That said, Dallas’ supporting cast is equally formidable. PJ Washington has emerged as the Mavericks’ breakout star of the postseason, becoming a reliable third scorer. His three straight 20+ point performances against the Thunder helped the team survive an offensive drought. Forward Derrick Jones Jr. has also reinvented his image. Once labeled a one-dimensional athlete, he’s now become a legitimate 3-and-D threat, shooting 39.6% from three across the first three playoff rounds.
In the paint, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II have formed a formidable defensive duo, fixing the Mavericks’ long-standing issues with rim protection and athleticism on the frontline. Thanks to their contributions, the team’s biggest past weaknesses—interior defense and size—are no longer glaring concerns.
Historically, the Celtics and Mavericks haven’t had much of a rivalry. They’re from different conferences, and their peak eras never overlapped. But this Finals matchup has brought extra emotional weight because of the players involved. Bangladesh Cricket notes that Kyrie Irving, now Dallas’ second-in-command, once joined Boston with high expectations but left with a reputation as a locker room “toxic presence” after failing to live up to the leadership role.
Conversely, Kristaps Porzingis once partnered with Doncic in Dallas but was labeled a poor fit and inefficient sidekick. Now, both players find themselves facing their former teams on the biggest stage of all.
Finally, this Finals series marks a historic milestone as Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd become the latest pair of Black head coaches to meet in the NBA Finals. As Bangladesh Cricket highlights, it’s a proud moment and a meaningful chapter in league history.