DiscoverNumbers on The BoardPreviewing The NBA Finals
Previewing The NBA Finals

Previewing The NBA Finals

Update: 2024-06-01
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The episode begins with a discussion about the hosts' personal lives, including a house purchase that they are considering. They also discuss their experiences with cicadas, which have been particularly aggressive this year. The conversation then shifts to their former basketball coach, and they discuss his coaching style and whether he would be a good fit for coaching at a higher level. The hosts reminisce about their high school basketball careers, sharing stories about their favorite players and their experiences playing together. They also discuss their career highs and their experiences in summer league. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming NBA Finals and the hosts' hopes for the series.

Outlines

00:00:00
NBA Finals Preview

This Chapter discusses the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. The hosts highlight the Mavericks' Cinderella run to the finals, overcoming a 3-0 deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the impact of Kyrie Irving's arrival. They also discuss the Celtics' dominant regular season and the challenges of defending Luka Doncic.

00:28:48
The Second Apron Rule and Dynasties

This Chapter explores the impact of the second apron rule on team building and the potential for dynasties in the NBA. The hosts discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves' financial constraints and the challenges they face in keeping their core together. They also discuss the Denver Nuggets' situation and how the second apron rule could limit their ability to build a dynasty.

00:49:06
Analyzing Porzingis' Impact

This Chapter delves into the impact of Kristaps Porzingis on the series, discussing his offensive style and whether he can be a true "punisher" for the Mavericks. The hosts debate whether Porzingis' shooting style is effective against the Celtics' defense and whether he can consistently score inside the paint.

01:29:08
Personal Stories and Reflections

This Chapter delves into the hosts' personal lives, sharing stories about a house purchase, their experiences with cicadas, and their former basketball coach. They reminisce about their high school basketball careers, discussing their favorite players and their experiences playing together.

Keywords

NBA Finals


The championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA), played between the Eastern Conference champion and the Western Conference champion. The Finals are a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games being crowned the NBA champion.

Dallas Mavericks


A professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas, that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Mavericks are known for their star player Luka Doncic, who is considered one of the best players in the league.

Boston Celtics


A professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Celtics are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, with 17 championships. They are known for their strong defense and their star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Luka Doncic


A Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Doncic is considered one of the best players in the league, known for his exceptional scoring, passing, and playmaking abilities.

Kyrie Irving


An American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Irving is a seven-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and his ability to score from anywhere on the court.

Jayson Tatum


An American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Tatum is a three-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA champion with the Celtics. He is known for his exceptional scoring ability and his ability to create his own shot.

Jaylen Brown


An American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Brown is a two-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA champion with the Celtics. He is known for his athleticism and his ability to score both inside and outside.

Second Apron Rule


A rule in the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that limits the amount of money teams can spend on their players. The second apron is a stricter limit than the luxury tax, and teams that exceed it face more severe penalties. The second apron is designed to prevent teams from spending too much money and creating an unfair competitive advantage.

Kristaps Porzingis


A Latvian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Porzingis is known for his height and his ability to shoot from long range. He has been a key player for the Mavericks since joining the team in 2019.

Cicadas


A large insect with a loud, shrill call, often associated with summer. Cicadas are known for their distinctive buzzing sound, which is produced by the males to attract females. They are typically found in warm climates and are often seen in large numbers.

Q&A

  • What are the key factors that make the Dallas Mavericks a legitimate threat in the NBA Finals?

    The Mavericks' Cinderella run to the finals, overcoming a 3-0 deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the impact of Kyrie Irving's arrival are key factors that make them a legitimate threat. Their ability to overcome adversity and the offensive firepower they possess with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving make them a formidable opponent.

  • How does the second apron rule impact team building and the potential for dynasties in the NBA?

    The second apron rule significantly impacts team building by limiting the amount of money teams can spend on their players. This can make it difficult for teams to keep their core together, especially if they have multiple max players. The rule also limits the ability of teams to make trades and sign players in the buyout market. This can make it harder for teams to build dynasties, as they may be forced to make difficult decisions about their roster.

  • What are the key defensive challenges the Boston Celtics face in guarding Luka Doncic?

    The Celtics face a significant challenge in guarding Luka Doncic, who is considered one of the best players in the league. His exceptional scoring, passing, and playmaking abilities make him a difficult matchup for any defender. The Celtics will need to find a way to limit his scoring opportunities and disrupt his ability to create for his teammates.

  • How do the hosts assess Kristaps Porzingis' impact on the series?

    The hosts debate whether Porzingis can be a true "punisher" for the Mavericks against the Celtics' defense. They question whether his shooting style is effective and whether he can consistently score inside the paint. They acknowledge that Porzingis can be a valuable asset, but they are unsure if he can be a dominant force in the series.

  • What are some of the personal stories and reflections shared by the hosts in this segment?

    The hosts share stories about a house purchase they are considering, their experiences with cicadas, and their former basketball coach. They also reminisce about their high school basketball careers, discussing their favorite players and their experiences playing together.

  • What are some of the key takeaways from the hosts' discussion about their former basketball coach?

    The hosts discuss whether their former coach would be a good fit for coaching at a higher level, considering his coaching style and his ability to connect with players. They also reflect on his impact on their own basketball careers and the lessons they learned from him.

  • What are some of the highlights from the hosts' discussion about their high school basketball careers?

    The hosts share stories about their favorite players, their career highs, and their experiences in summer league. They also discuss their experiences playing together and the challenges they faced as young players.

Show Notes

Kenny, Pierre, Mike, and Darrick give their NBA Finals predictions on this episode of Numbers On The Board. How will the Celtics defend Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? Will Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown be nightmare matchups for the Mavericks? What adjustments will Jason Kidd and Joe Mazzulla make heading into the series to give their teams the early edge? Plus, the guys sort through who could make the biggest impact outside of the star-studded duos.

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Previewing The NBA Finals

Previewing The NBA Finals

Omaha Productions, ESPN, Enjoy Basketball