Greg Rosenstein is the sports editor for NBC News Digital.
The NBA Finals will tip off Thursday night with the Boston Celtics hosting the Dallas Mavericks, a matchup pitting two of the league's top duos against one another. Dallas is led by a backcourt of the do-everything Slovenian guard Luka Doncic and resurgent eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. Boston uses the incredible versatility of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, two young stars entering their prime. Who has the edge heading into Game 1? Let’s break down the biggest storylines.
This will be Irving’s third playoff series since leaving Boston. He told members of the media this week after practice that he is a changed man. “I’m built for these moments, to be able to handle circumstances like that, and I’ve been able to grow since then,” he said. “So of course it’s going to be a hectic environment, but I’m looking forward to it and I see it as a healthy relationship that I have with the fans. I almost think about ‘Gladiator,’ just winning the crowd over.
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