to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
The Lakers could not sustain their superior ball because fatigue caught up with their maxxed out starters. JJ relied heavily on his first 5, failing to optimize his rotation, opting not to make adjustments particularly late in games. Ultimately, this fatigue factor would also lead to defensive lapses, the breakdown in the offensive rhythm, and more critically, more exposure to possible injuries.
Since 2018, no NBA champion has ever returned to the podium the following year. Every year hence, talks of the chances for a repeat champ have been freely discussed. This year, the Timberwolves countered the Nuggets’ strength. In 2022, the Heat found a way to buck the Bucks. Trades and the salary cap took out the Raptors, the Lakers and the Warriors. It is the Celtics’ turn to wear the crown this year. But as they say, uneasy is the head that wears the crown. Will the Celtics be around to keep the crown next season? Or will another team find an antidote to the Celtics’ new template?
With the much-maligned homecourt advantage with them, will the powerhouse Boston Celtics finish it off to finally win the 2024 NBA title? And secure their 18th title? Or will the Mavs, drawing special inspiration from their huge win today, be able to steal another game? And stage an epic comeback? What you got?
Game 2 is on Sunday at Boston’s TD Garden. Expect the Mavs to come better prepared, with defensive and offensive options with Porzingis in mind. Expect the Celtics to try to erase the stigma of their Game 2 meltdowns. Expect the Boston crowd to be noisy. This should be a game to behold. I still got the Mavs giving the Celts a good fight. Who you got? Be there or be square.
The Celtics are the prohibitive favorites in this series and have homecourt advantage. But the Mavericks have won seven of their nine road games during these playoffs, and their confidence has soared sky-high. The Celtics obtained the regular season honors, but the Mavs racked up the more difficult playoff-war medals. This should be a close one here. Who you got?
I’d like to invite all basketball-crazy fans out there – whether you’re from the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia or not – to come and join us as we celebrate the greatness and beauty of the sport. And what better way than to personally watch the best players don their national colors in a friendly joust. Cheer for your team, and if you don’t have a team representing your country, cheer for your favorite players or favorite country.
Color My World 