Much has been made of the narratives surrounding the 2024 NBA Finals matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. Kyrie’s return to Boston. Kristaps Porzingis’ return to Dallas. Luka and Tatum’s first rings on the line. An underrated narrative, however, is what I’m calling the “Wizards Bowl.” One year ago today, Daniel Gafford and Kristaps Porzingis made up the Washington Wizards’ starting frontcourt. On Thursday the two will face off as the starting centers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Porzingis was one of the major dominoes to fall in the Wizards’ post-Tommy Sheppard era rebuild.