The 2024 NBA Finals brought together two powerhouses of the basketball world: the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Fans were treated to an epic showdown filled with intense gameplay, strategic brilliance, and standout performances.
As the smoke clears and the final face-off nears, it’s time to evaluate the top players who defined this championship series. That said, let’s rank the top 5 players of the Celtics-Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals, evaluating their contributions, clutch moments, and overall impact on the games.
Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic has been lighting up the court this season, solidifying his position as one of the best players in the NBA. His remarkable statistics are a testament to his skill—averaging 33.9 points per game in the regular season and 28.8 points per game in the playoffs. Doncic consistently delivers exceptional performances game after game.
His versatility and ability to impact every game, from scoring and playmaking to rebounding and defense, set him apart. His basketball IQ and maturity are beyond his years, making him a formidable opponent for any team.
For fans and bettors alike, Doncic’s consistent excellence makes the Dallas Mavericks a compelling choice for NBA Spread Bets. Whether hitting a game-winning three or orchestrating a fast break, Doncic’s electrifying play is a significant reason why the Mavericks are enjoying a successful season.
Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum was the heart and soul of the Celtics’ effort. His consistent scoring and defensive prowess kept Boston in contention throughout the series. Tatum’s leadership and clutch performances, particularly in critical moments, solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite players.
Boston’s standout player has averaged 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game during this postseason. As a four-time All-NBA honoree and five-time All-Star, Tatum aims to rebound from his subpar showing in the 2022 Finals against Golden State, where he shot just 36.7 percent.
Tatum excels when he drives to the basket aggressively, so if he combines that with improved shooting from three-point range (he’s shooting 29 percent in these playoffs), he will be the leading contender for Finals MVP.
Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics is the next player showing excellent skill this season. In 2014, he secured a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship with the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team.
Before joining the Boston Celtics, Jaylen played one year at the University of California, averaging 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.9 three-pointers per game during the 2015-16 season.
His performance earned him Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Pac-12 honors, among other accolades. Over the season, he started all 34 games, ranking third in the Pac-12 for free-throw attempts and sixth for free throws made.
Jaylen’s highest-scoring games saw him reach 27 points twice, achieving four double-doubles and six 20-point games. The Cal Bears concluded the season with a 23-11 record, exiting in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kyrie Irving – Dallas Mavericks
While global attention is often directed towards Luka Doncic and his exceptional talent, Kyrie Irving deserves significant recognition, too. The Melbourne-born virtuoso has already outshone Allen Iverson as the most skilled player to handle a basketball.
He should be ranked among the best finishers at the rim in history and certainly one of the guards with the finest footwork. Irving’s on-court displays are extraordinary, comparable to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
The angles he scores from and the moves that lead to remarkable finishes are masterpieces. When you add his natural clutch ability, he is one of the greatest players ever.
Among the ten players listed, Irving and Holiday are the only ones entering these Finals with a championship already under their belts. Irving clinched his title in 2016 as part of the Cavaliers, even hitting one of the most memorable shots in history.
Kristaps Porzingis – Dallas Mavericks
If Porzingis’ calf is nearly fully healed, the Finals may dramatically shift in Boston’s favor. With the return of their 7-foot-2 versatile scoring phenom, Boston gains a significant advantage, as Porzingis offers more offensively than any big the Mavericks have faced, including All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.
Porzingis excels in post-up situations, leading the league with 1.30 points per possession during the regular season. Should he be isolated from the basket, like Gobert in Game 2 against the Timberwolves, and if his calf holds up, Porzingis can also be a reliable defensive presence.
Thanks to the team’s strong rotation, Coach Joe Mazzulla won’t need to overtax Porzingis’ minutes. Just having him available on the court will present substantial challenges for Dallas.
Derrick White – Boston Celtics
Like his teammate Holiday, White earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team in 2024, creating the best defensive backcourt in the league. Despite the talent around him, White can win games by scoring a high number of three-pointers, having made four or more in six of Boston’s 14 playoff games.
One of the Celtics’ two postseason losses occurred during Game 2 of the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, featuring his worst shooting performance. White is exceptionally mature for his age and seldom makes critical errors.
There’s a good chance he will heat up during the Finals, taking the defensive attention away from Tatum and Brown. Dallas doesn’t have enough perimeter defenders to handle every threat.
Conclusion
The 2024 NBA Finals showcased some of the best talent in the league, with each of these players leaving a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike. Whether through scoring, defense, or leadership, these top 5 players played pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of one of the most exciting Finals in recent memory.
