Fans can’t wait for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. The matchup is considered to be among the most unique in recent finals history. One thing about it is that it surely is not lacking in intrigue. On paper, the Celtics look like the favorites, and oddsmakers agree. At the same time, it would be dangerous for the Celtics to underestimate the powers of Luka Doncic and the Mavericks.
The 2024 NBA Finals is a battle of terrific tandems

This matchup could also end up being decided by which duo is better: that of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics or the Mavericks tandem of Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Just to further underscore how intriguing – and rare – this finals matchup is, it’s just the fifth time ever in the history of the NBA that both teams entering the finals have each a duo combining for at least 50.0 points per contest.
Via OptaSTATS:
Both the @dallasmavs and @celtics enter the NBA Finals with a duo averaging at least 50.0 points per game in this season’s playoffs. It’s the fifth time that has happened in NBA history, joining 2017 (GSW v CLE), 1992 (CHI v POR), 1967 (PHI v SF) & 1966 (BOS v LAL).

So far in the playoffs, Tatum and Brown are averaging 26.0 and 25.0 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Doncic is putting up 28.8 points and Irving is producing 22.0 points.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be played this Thursday night in Boston.

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