After Dirk Nowitzki, it’s the era of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Executing a demolition of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road, they helped the Dallas Mavericks reach their first NBA Finals since 2011. The celebrations began as soon as both benches came out on the floor. In the locker room, the players were elated. Music was playing, and a homecoming hero – PJ Washington had a message for his fans.

“From the bottom to the top” Washington yelled at the camera, one hand placed on the Conference Finals winning caps. This was Washington’s first season in Dallas, the city where he played college ball. After spending years dwelling at the bottom with the Charlotte Hornets, he was finally making an impact on winning, and the world was able to see it.

Sharing the locker room vibes on Instagram Live, many of Washington’s fans were happy. However, Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro saw it differently. He intentionally attacked his previous franchise, a place Washington deeply respects. “How do you go from Charlotte to the finals, you really made it out the mud with this one”, the scoring prodigy wrote in Washington’s comments.

PJ Washington had established himself as a solid role player during his days in Charlotte. Since moving back home at the trade deadline, he has played with a lot more heart and has a well-defined role. Tonight, helping to close out the series, he scored 12 points and knocked down 2 threes in the 103-124 loss.

The toughest test awaits now for the Mavericks. Doncic is splendid in the playoffs, but the NBA Finals is the brightest stage of them all. The Boston Celtics, the best team in the NBA has more rest, arguably the better players, and have experience of playing in the Finals. It’s not going to be an easy task. However, once the lust for glory sets in, the great players chase the high with rabid intensity. What’s to say Luka Doncic doesn’t do the same with a chance to add a maiden title to his decorated resume?

The Mavericks are yet to defeat the Boston Celtics

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks ran well when facing the Eastern Conference teams in the regular season. They ended it on a 19-11 record. One of the three teams they couldn’t beat were the Boston Celtics. While the first game was relatively within grasp, the Shamrocks dismantled the Mavericks by 28 points in their latest bout.

On a positive note, Luka Doncic was imperious in both the games. He scored 30+ in both losses and even logged a triple-double in the second game.

Let’s not forget about the Boston Celtics electric playoff record this season. The longest a series lasted against the 17-time champions was five games. They successfully swept the Indiana Pacers in ECF to crash their way into the NBA Finals, a second in three seasons now. There is also an encouraging belief that Kristaps Porzingis is expected to be back during the Finals. The Unicorn was a part of the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons before moving to conferences.

As intimidating as the numbers seem, the Finals aren’t about them. It’ ‘s a battle of willpower and determination. Desperation to be crowned has led several underdogs to glory. The Mavericks are beyond motivated, waiting to add a championship since 2011. Moreover, Luka Doncic looks brimming with purpose, empowered by the wisdom of Kyrie Irving.

It’s bound to be a blockbuster. But who wins takes it?