The wait is finally over.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is here. The Celtics are back in the Finals for the second time in three years and are looking to avenge their loss against the Warriors in 2022. After going a league-best 64-18 in the regular season, Boston had a relatively path to the Finals, going 12-2 and sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are back in the Finals for the first time since their win in 2011 and are seeking their second title in franchise history. Their path to the Finals has been a bit more arduous, needing six games to beat the Clippers in Round 1 and six games to beat the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.