NBA Finals: Pat Riley’s Stubborn Decision Gets Blamed for Celtics Winning Potential 18th Title

The Boston Celtics have inched closer toward an 18th franchise title. Even on a night, they shot poorly, the Shamrocks had no problem disposing of Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The perpetrator was among the unlikeliest. Jrue Holiday poured in a team-high 26 points while limiting Kyrie Irving, a dexterous scorer to just 16 points. Relishing his first season in Boston, Holiday showcased the championship pedigree he carried on from his win with the Bucks.

As fans one might ponder, just how was a two-way crusher like Holiday breezily allowed to join a stacked Celtics team. The origin of it all came when Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and the veteran guard lost his spot. He managed to secure a buyout with Portland and found his way to Boston. But could it have been stopped? Even Cohen believes so and blames one NBA team for letting the Celtics enhance their subliminal core.

“For me as a Heat fan, Miami not getting Dame Lillard won the Celtics a championship. No, I’m serious. If Miami gets Daem Lillard, Jreu Holiday is still on the Bucks and Boston is not winning this title. Because they are not going to be here like this”, claimed the ESPN radio personality.

Before his blockbuster trade to the Bucks, Dame had publicly expressed his desire to play for only one team – the Heat. He wanted to be part of the infamous ‘Culture’ and win in South Beach. His agent Aaron Goodin even said, “Truthfully, he wants to play in Miami. Period”. In the first few weeks, trade talks even began with Miami willing to offer Tyler Herro and three first-round picks according to Bleacher Report. Eventually, the deal fell off and Lillard joined alliances with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

The ramifications of the Heat’s passive approach to sign the eight-time All-Star were felt instantly. Holiday joined the Celtics, and they became nearly invincible. He and Derrick White struck fear in opposing guards with their dreading defense Each of them made the All-Defensive Teams. Moreover, on the biggest stage, the former Bucks starlet has proven to be the difference maker, curtailing Irving’s involvement and scoring timely buckets.

In hindsight, the Heat could have altered how the NBA looked today if they traded for Dame Lillard. However, Pat Riley and his management chose to run the same group that achieved the eighth seed and a Finals appearance in the previous season. A decision that came to bite them back.

The Mavericks couldn’t beat an out-of-touch Celtics team

Even before the game began, Dallas fans weren’t rejoicing. Luka Doncic, the ace had suffered a chest contusion and wasn’t deemed fit to play until moments before the tip. Many might have expected his output to drop alluding to the discomfort he was playing in. But Doncic is unflappable. He notched a triple-double with 32 points and kept the Mavericks within fighting distance.

Additionally, the Celtics couldn’t seem to make a shot on their home turf. They shot historically low for an offense that relies exponentially on their three-point carnage. They only hit 25.6% of their threes tonight. Jayson Tatum was egregious, scoring 18 on 22 shots. Still, the Celtics won by seven.

Thanks to Jrue Holiday supplementing for Tatum’s scoring, the Shamrocks held their tight lead in place. His slashes to the rim and brute play inside the paint left the Mavericks susceptible to easy baskets. Now down 0-2, the Mavericks need to do something groundbreaking at home to stand a chance. Kyrie Irving needs to contribute more, the defense needs to mark better but most importantly, Boston might have to beat themselves in this series.

Despite the deficit, do you think the Mavericks can get back in these NBA Finals? Let us know your views in the comments below.

But before you go, make sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s admiration for Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the issues surrounding her.