The stage is set for an exhilarating NBA Finals showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. After a swift conclusion to the Conference Finals, fans are eagerly anticipating Game 1, scheduled for June 6th.
The series promises to be packed with captivating storylines. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Luka Doncic are all vying for their first NBA title, while Kyrie Irving faces his former team, ready to challenge an unrelenting Boston fanbase.
As these stars take the court, the question remains: which player will emerge as the most valuable and lead their team to glory?
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum enters the NBA Finals with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. Tatum’s performance in the 2022 Finals left much to be desired, with averages of 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, but he has used that experience to fuel his growth. This postseason, he’s firing on all cylinders, posting impressive averages of 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. No player in the 21st century has hit those numbers in a Finals series and not won the MVP, indicating that Tatum is not just in the running—he’s a frontrunner.
The Celtics’ formidable defense stands out as a key weapon in this Finals matchup; that’s why they have better basketball teams odds than the Mavericks, and Tatum is at the heart of it. His ability to lock down opponents and switch across multiple positions gives Boston a tactical edge against high-scoring stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics’ stellar home record of 37-4 at TD Garden this season and their 3-0 mark in Game 1s this postseason reflect a fortress mentality that starts with Tatum’s leadership.
As his teammate Jaylen Brown took home the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, all signs point to Tatum being due for accolades. With everything on the line, Tatum’s blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking could very well be the decisive factor that leads the Celtics to the championship—and earns him the coveted Finals MVP trophy.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Dallas Mavericks as they head into the NBA Finals. With championship chances set at +180 and his individual Finals MVP odds closely trailing at +210, all signs point to Doncic playing a pivotal role. This postseason, Doncic has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
His knack for filling the stat sheet is highlighted by six triple-doubles so far in these playoffs. Known for his early dominance, Doncic’s 20-point first-quarter explosion in the recent Western Conference Finals clincher showcased his capacity to take over games almost on a whim.
While the Celtics’ top-tier defensive unit will undoubtedly target Doncic, it’s tough to bet against him. Unlike his teammate Kyrie Irving, who has faced inconsistencies—scoring 16 points or fewer in multiple games—Doncic has thrived under pressure, hitting difficult fadeaways with ease. His prolific three-point shooting, averaging 10.6 attempts per playoff game, puts him in good stead against a Boston defense that allows numerous downtown shots.
During the regular season, Doncic averaged a staggering 35.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 12.0 assists in two contests with the Celtics, indicating his capability to dismantle their defense. If Dallas emerges victorious, it will be largely because of Doncic’s extraordinary performances, making him an undeniable contender for the Finals MVP trophy.
Derrick White
Derrick White enters the NBA Finals with a unique shot at the MVP trophy, often overshadowed by higher-profile teammates like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, White’s impact cannot be understated, particularly on the defensive end.
This season, he led all NBA starters in net rating and ranked second in plus/minus, demonstrating his comprehensive influence beyond scoring. White has been a defensive stalwart, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors for two consecutive seasons. His tenacity and versatility on defense will be crucial as the Celtics face the multidimensional threats posed by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Offensively, White has also shown he can step up when needed, averaging 17.8 points per game and leading the team with 3.4 three-pointers made in the postseason. This scoring ability makes him a valuable third option for the Celtics, particularly against a Mavericks defense that will struggle to contain Tatum and Brown. Dallas lacks the defensive depth to adequately account for White, creating opportunities for him to shine on the big stage.
Historically, MVP honors have occasionally gone to players with standout defensive performances, like Kawhi Leonard in 2014 and Andre Iguodala in 2015. White fits this mold, combining defensive prowess with timely scoring. With his proven clutch ability and penchant for game-saving plays, Derrick White could surprise many by becoming a key factor in the Celtics’ quest for the championship—and maybe even take home the Finals MVP trophy.
