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

2. Mavericks completely dismantled the NBA's top defense last series

Coming hot off of a seven-game series versus the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves proved that they have one of the most effective defenses in the NBA by containing Nikola Jokic as well as the the Nuggets' ebb-and-flow to their offense. The Timberwolves were also ranked first in defensive rating throughout the entirety of the regular season at 108.4, so they were in prime position to be the team that derails Dallas' offensive attack spearheaded by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic for the first time in these playoffs.

Fortunately for the Mavericks, the amount of counters that both Irving and Doncic have as well as their ability to anticipate opposing defenses proved to be too much to handle for a young Minnesota squad, as Irving and Doncic averaged 27 points and 32.4 points on 49 percent and 47.3 percent shooting from the field respectively in their series against Minnesota.

Irving and Doncic both proved that their uncanny ability to get their spots despite whatever previous disposition they are in is something that the Mavericks can carry forward with them to the Finals, as even Boston's array of stellar point-of-attack defenders will have their hands full trying to stay with Irving and Doncic for 48 minutes. While Irving and Doncic's offensive production is a known quantity at this juncture in the playoffs, Mavericks role players will have to step up and make plays like they've done in these past three series, even if it isn't one particular role player on any given night.

The Celtics are as well equipped to stop Dallas' offensive attack as any team in the league, and they honestly are probably a worse defensive matchup for the Mavericks compared to the Timberwolves given Dallas' playstyle, especially if Porzingis can fortify their backline coming off of a calf injury. However, if Doncic and Irving can use their creativity to break traps and manipulate Boston's pick-and-roll defense, then we may very well see the Mavericks' offense churning to the same degree that it has all postseaon long.