5 Reasons the Mavericks will destroy the Celtics in the NBA Finals

4. Luka Doncic is the best player in this series, and he'll be fired up about playing against Kristaps Porzingis

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis in February of 2019, they did so because they were surprised at how fast Luka Doncic was blowing past his developmental curve, as the Mavericks were keen on pairing Doncic with a co-star early on in his career. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the duo never worked out to the level that many hoped it would, and Porzingis was subsequently traded to the Wizards at the trade deadline in 2022.

Ironically, the former European duo will meet in the NBA Finals, as Porzingis has revitalized his career with the Wizards and Celtics by becoming a more stout presence in the post as well as a more consistent rim protector. Doncic on the other hand has become a perennial MVP candidate ever since Porzingis left Dallas, and he certainly won't save any grace for his former teammate on the court when they play against each other in the Finals.

It was revealed earlier this season that Doncic and Porzingis' relationship in Dallas had a few more hiccups behind the scenes that we didn't know about at the time the duo were still together, so it's safe to say that there will be plenty of fuel to the fire for the Mavericks and Doncic to best Porzingis and the Celtics in these Finals.

Heading into this series Porzingis is coming off of a calf injury that's kept him out most of the playoffs, while Doncic has fought through various injuries and illnesses en route to winning Western Conference Finals MVP. With a full week of rest and recovery on the horizon for Doncic, he should project to be the healthiest that he's been throughout these entire playoffs once the Mavs kick off Game 1 in Boston on June 6.

Equipped with the best roster that he's had since being in Dallas as well as more agility and quickness assuming that he has recovered from his injuries some by Game 1, we may see Doncic's best performance in these playoffs in the NBA Finals, especially when you take into consideration that he has extra motivation playing against Porzingis.