A behind-the-scenes look on and off the court.
With the 2024 NBA champions heading to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ this October, FACT is thrilled to take you through a behind-the-scenes look at the Celtics' slam-dunk win against the Mavericks, which resulted in thrilling action on and off the court at the 2024 NBA Finals.
Touchdown in Boston
Our adventure began with an all-access pass to the Celtics' training sessions and the first game of the 2024 NBA Finals, hosted in the heart of Boston. After a half-day journey from Dubai, we battled our jet lag and hit the streets of Boston for an epic exploration. The city was buzzing with Celtics fever—every lamppost flaunted a Celtics poster, buses were already decorated for the celebration, and fans in green and white jerseys flooded the streets. The beautiful June weather gave us a warm welcome, and so did the renowned American cuisine, known for its slam-dunk portions.
Setting the Stage
Before diving into the arena experience, let's lay up some context about why this Finals series is so special, whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or a rookie just getting into the game.
The NBA, the world’s premier professional basketball league, consists of 30 teams from North America. Each team plays an 82-game regular season from October to April, aiming to qualify for the playoffs. The top eight teams from each conference (Eastern and Western) enter the playoffs, which are elimination rounds leading to the Finals—a best-of-seven series to crown the champions.
Boston Celtics' Legacy
The Boston Celtics, tied with the Los Angeles Lakers at 17 championships each, had the chance to become the most successful franchise in the history of the NBA. Most of their titles were won in the '50s and '60s, with a quieter period in recent decades. Their last trophy was in 2008, with a near miss in the 2022 Finals when the young duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the team against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors but fell short. With the best record in the 2023/2024 regular season, the Celtics were favourites to win.
Dallas Mavericks' Journey
Champions in 2011, the Dallas Mavericks are led by stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. They reached the 2024 Finals after an impressive run against the Clippers and Wolves, hoping to solidify their legacy after missing the playoffs the previous season. The Finals also featured intriguing storylines with players facing their former teams—Kyrie Irving returning to Boston and Kristaps Porzingis facing Dallas.
Immersed in the Finals Buzz
The day before the first game, both teams trained and gave interviews at the TD Garden, a historic sports venue and home to the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. Attending the open training sessions allowed us to walk the same grounds as legends like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Bob Cousy. The atmosphere was electric, with echoes of past triumphs and the sight of championship banners. We witnessed the tail end of the Mavericks' training and the beginning of the Celtics' session. The workouts were standard, with drills and shooting practice, but the atmosphere was celebratory.
Game Day Excitement
Game day was a whirlwind. Traffic filled Boston’s streets, with fans flocking to the arena. Inside, Boston T-shirts awaited on every seat, and the rafters had space for the expected 18th NBA title. We explored the teams’ locker rooms, where Kyrie Irving’s locker, honouring late NBA legends and filled with personal touches, stood out.
The lights dimmed, and the pre-game show began. Celtics legend Bill Walton, whose passing was recently announced, was commemorated. The national anthem was sung by Michelle Brooks-Thompson, and the players were introduced amidst flames, cheers, and beats.
The Game Unfolds
The heroes of the game emerged from unexpected corners. Kristaps Porzingis, returning from a 10-game hiatus due to a calf injury, came off the bench like a man on a mission. The Latvian big man ignited the Celtics' offence, racking up 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in just 21 minutes of play. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate both ends of the court left the Mavericks scrambling for answers. Porzingis’s presence was a game-changer, showing why he’s such a valuable asset to the Celtics.
While Porzingis stole the offensive spotlight, Jrue Holiday quietly orchestrated the Celtics' defensive dominance. His suffocating defence on Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving disrupted the Mavericks' offensive flow, limiting them to a season-low nine assists. Holiday’s defensive masterclass was a key factor in the Celtics' victory, as he hounded the Mavericks' stars and forced them into tough shots and turnovers.
The Celtics showcased their offensive depth, with seven players hitting multiple three-pointers. Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 22 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The Celtics' ball movement and aggressive drives to the rim kept the Mavericks' defence on their heels throughout the game. The team’s balanced attack was too much for the Mavericks to handle, as the Celtics found scoring from all over the court. Despite Luka Dončić’s 30-point effort, the Mavericks struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Kyrie Irving, in his return to Boston, faced a hostile crowd and struggled to make an impact, shooting just 31% from the field.
The Celtics' dominance was evident from the start. They jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Their defence was stifling, and their offence was clicking on all cylinders. The Mavericks had no answer for the Celtics' relentless attack, and the game quickly turned into a blowout.
As the final buzzer sounded, the TD Garden erupted in cheers. The Celtics had secured a convincing victory in Game 1, and the crowd celebrated as if they had already won the championship. The energy in the arena was electric, and the excitement was palpable.
Looking ahead to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games.
The countdown is now on for 4 October, when Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will transform into a battleground of legends as the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, will clash with the 2023 NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Remember the playoffs? The Nuggets' dramatic exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves left many wondering what could have been if they’d made the finals.
Don't miss your chance to witness basketball history in the making.
GO: Visit www.etihadarena.ae for reservations and more information.
