The Mavericks got rid of the Timberwolves to make their first appearance in the NBA Finals 2024 since 2011. It was a tough road and an even more difficult journey to get here. Luka Doncic and Co. finished as the fifth seed in the West, tied with East’s Knicks on the win-loss record (50-32). They had to battle the No. 4 seed LA Clippers in a 4-2 series, only to come face-to-face with the No. 1 OKC Thunder. The ‘Big D’ once again rallied to finish 4-2. By the time they were at the West Finals, Dallas had a surprising opponent.

The Wolves, against all odds, climbed up the ladder, looking to make a title run. But of course, the Mavs didn’t come all this way to leave at the brink of what could be Luka’s first, Kyrie Irving’s, and the franchise’s second ring! Doncic was more than often hobbling around the court in these playoffs, dealing with multiple injuries, but never taking a back seat, with the only goal being the Finals. With the Boston Celtics being their foes and the favorites for a Championship this season, the ‘Lone Star State’ wanted to get as much prep time as needed. It showed. They decimated Anthony Edwards and Co. 4-1.

With that said, let’s get into the finer details of what is going to be a blockbuster Finals series!

NBA Finals 2024 Schedule

It is scheduled to tip off on June 6th at 8:30 PM ET with Game 1 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics finished the season with the best record, grabbing home-court advantages and, as you can see, the same applies here, too. What about the other games you’d wonder? Check below what the schedule looks like.

• Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics: June 9, 8:00 PM ET
• Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks: June 12, 8:30 PM ET
• Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks: June 14, 8:30 PM ET
• Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics: June 17, 8:30 PM ET
• Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks: June 20, 8:30 PM ET
• Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics: June 23, 8:00 PM ET

Games 5, 6, and 7, naturally, will happen only if necessary. Of course, fans will want an edging thriller, won’t they? Especially with Kristaps Porziņģis, likely returning for the Cs, it is surely going to be one rollercoaster ride!

Ticket prices for the NBA Finals

Many would have guessed by now that the ticket prices for the Dallas-Boston finale series are over the roof. Fans from everywhere are crying and laughing at the ridiculous prices on the net. According to Forbes, the tickets in Boston are averaging $4,003 while Dallas ticket prices have shot up to $4,346, according to TicketIQ. The most expensive ticket goes up to a staggering $49,041, for Game 1!

Here’s what one needs to pay for those NBA Finals tickets, according to TicketIQ:

• Game 1: $824+
• Game 2: $863+
• Game 3: $961+
• Game 4: $1,232+
• Game 5: $1,283+
• Game 6: $1,968+
• Game 7: $1,816+

Well, that’s a glimpse into what the market looks like right about now. The fact that Game 6 costs more than Game 7 also has many in complete confusion!

Key matchups

One of the most eagerly anticipated matchups in the NBA Finals 2024 is Jrue Holiday vs Kyrie Irving. Two of the most underrated veteran guards will be going head-to-head in a do-or-die. While many are focused on the ways the Boston crowd will welcome ‘Uncle Drew,’ they tend to forget that Kai is one of the best playmakers and ball handlers in the league. The true admirers will be waiting with bated breath and unblinking eyes to watch the surprises the star has coming up.

With no preamble as to what to expect, seeing how Irving’s attack plan is based on the move the defender makes, Holiday will have quite a lot on his plate. However, the 3x All-NBA Defensive First Teamer isn’t an opponent that can be taken lightly, either. He is a defensive machine with a team-first mentality. As Irving will showcase his offensive prowess in all its glory, Holiday will have to be careful not to fall into foul trouble while slowing Kai down in the fourth. Notably, if anyone can avoid pitfalls and guard Kyrie, it is Jrue himself.

Another matchup that’s going to light up the sky is undeniably Luka Doncic and Jaylen Brown. By now, everyone knows that Luka Magic can score from practically everywhere with the kind of shots he drains when it looks like there is absolutely no way out.

However, JB, with his 6’6, 223-pound frame, will prove to be a tough opponent. Luka loves to try and bully his way into the paint against smaller guards. While it might have worked previously, the Celtics’ second-best scorer and the most athletic player will surely give the Slovenian superstar a run for his money. Not to mention he’s also an excellent one-on-one defender.

And then we have the Cs’ main star, Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old saw the Finals slip through his fingers in 2022 against the Warriors. With the season Boston has had, this is looking like the crowning year of the Jays. However, Dallas is here after 13 years looking for a 2nd ring. As such, the Mavs have someone who can match up with Tatum in terms of size and athleticism to chase him around.

That someone happens to be P. J. Washington. At 6’7 and with a spectacular wingspan of 7’3, he would be quite the defensive pest. The streaky shooter that Jayson is, P. J. will have to ensure he doesn’t heat up early. Being the top scorer and against a backcourt duo like Kyrie and Luka, Tatum has no choice but to be consistent. So while he is a serious two-way threat, so is Washington.

Then again, with the obliging teammates that Jayson has, the 5x All-Star will no doubt have plenty of help. Especially with hints of the Latvian Center’s probable return. As for P. J., the team wouldn’t need him to drop 20 a night. But if he can, no one would complain, either! More importantly, if he can disrupt Tatum’s calm, it would be the most appreciated by the Mavs team, wouldn’t you say?

Where to watch the NBA Finals 2024

The NBA Finals 2024 presented by YouTube TV will have ABC and ESPN with broadcast rights. The latter has a new broadcast team lined up for the Finals. They are Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and JJ Redick (in place of Doc Rivers) with Lisa Salters as the sideline reporter. With so many changes on the horizon, it seems they might have started implementing this quite early.

Well, what do you make of the Finals? With the Mavericks rising as legitimate contenders, who is your favorite pick as the last man (in our case, the team) standing? Let us know your thoughts below!

Before you go, another matter foremost in our mind is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.