Boston is living intensely on the eve (playing tonight at 2.30 am, Italian time) of what could become a historic day. The long-awaited 18th NBA title, which would see the Celtics break away from their all-time rivals, the Lakers, and become the most successful franchise in the history of the League, is one step away but Dallas has no intention of being a sacrificial victim. After dominating far and wide in game 4, the Mavs seem to have found not only a smile but also a certain confidence. The feat is Mission Impossible, but Dallas wants to play their cards with him, thinking only of Monday’s match. “”Yes there is a more relaxed atmosphere – confirms Irving – but don’t think that anyone isn’t taking things seriously. I tell my teammates to enjoy the moment, as I underlined before game 4, you just have to take a step after another, then we’ll see.” Irving also won his only ring by recovering from a 1-3 draw with the Cavaliers, rewriting the history of the Finals. “There’s no point in looking ahead – agrees Jason Kidd – we have to focus on every possession, our only objective is to find a way to win game 5 here in Boston”.
Coach Mazzulla’s refrain
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However, there seems to be a clear difference in values between the two teams, an impression that cannot be watered down by a match that broke the mold like Friday’s. Boston, however, cannot make too many calculations, now is the time to close the discussion so as not to risk finding ourselves returning to Dallas with many more doubts and a good dose of enthusiasm for the Texan team which could really change the direction of a series that it seems marked. Coach Mazzulla clarified the concept by inserting a refrain in practically all the answers to the questions at Sunday’s press conference: “It will be essential to return to defense, fight for rebounds and move the ball with discipline.” For the Celtics it would be important to find Kristaps Porzingis again, who was out in the last two games after having had an incredible impact in the first two matches of the series. “We’ll see what the doctors say before the match – says the Boston coach – KP will certainly do everything he can to be there”. 16 years after the last NBA title the Celtics could therefore return to celebrate. Doncic and his teammates naturally allowing.
