5 reasons the Boston Celtics will beat the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals
No. 2: Cs have a vast array of defensive weapons to throw at Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic
LOCKDOWN DEFENDERS: Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are holding guards to 39.2 FG% this postseason 😳🔒
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) June 1, 2024
How will they defend Luka & Kyrie? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/PEYEsxpoYY
The Dallas Mavericks have the best backcourt in the NBA offensively. It just so happens that the Boston Celtics have the best defensive backcourt in the league to counterpunch this attack. Derrick White is the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA with 18 blocks in 14 games this playoffs; the most by a player under six-foot-10 in the postseason. Jrue Holiday has a reputation as the best perimeter defender in the league. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have made leaps defensively and can also take turns taking the match-up.
Nobody will shut down the likes of Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving but the number two defense in the league can contain them and make it difficult to get their points efficiently. The key will be making these two play defense on the other end of the floor because historically neither player is a good defender.