Above all Spencer Dinwiddie was at the Mavs on the X-factor: scored in the decisive games against Phoenix Dinwiddie more than 70 percent of his throws – none was more effective, not even the outstanding Doncic. For Dinwiddie they had Mavs let star player Kristaps Porzingis go in February, which was unexpected for many. This has proven to be a real coup so far.
Kleber – used as a long-range shooter in Dallas
One of Doncics Maxi Kleber is still an important helper: the German international has often had problems with his shots from beyond the three-point line this season, but it is actually his greatest strength on the offensive. In the playoffs Kleber met better again in the end. He also forces more attention from the opposing defenders – and creates them Doncic a piece of the neck. Another important piece of the puzzle for those who have regained their strength Mavswho are now so close to a possible NBA-Titles are like last 2011.
Theis in the east with Boston on course for the title
In addition to Kleber, another German NBA professional, Daniel Theis, can dream of a big hit: Theis stood with the Boston Celtics already once in the Conference Finalstwo years ago in the Coronabubbles from Orlando. The renewed entry into the final in the east was not necessarily expected recently: the series against Milwaukee seemed for the Celtics already lost, mainly because there was an almost insurmountable opponent on the other side: Giannis Antetokounmpothe elemental force from Greece, the bucks had led to the title last year.
Also in this year’s playoffs the “Greek freak“: In game five in Boston Antetokounmpo almost single-handedly turned the game in the closing stages. In the opinion of many experts, he showed one of the best performances in the world playoff-History – and was on a par with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBronJames posed.
Playoff success against the NBA champion and Antetokounmpo
Came in game six antetocoumnpo back to 44 points and 20 rebounds – the victory, however, went to the Celticswho had found the key to success: after realizing that they couldn’t take the Bucks leader out of the game completely anyway, they let him do as much as possible, barricaded the zone as best they could – and made sure that none of the other bucks-Players ran hot, especially the long-range shooters. In the decisive seventh game they landed bucks with 33 attempts from beyond the three-point line only a measly four hits – a balance with which one can in the NBA can hardly win games.
On the other hand, marksmanship from the outside became a decisive factor for Boston. The Celtics managed to play out their great strength in the decisive moments: it was in game six Jayson Tatumthe the bucks poured seven threes. In the seventh game was Grant Williams the match winner, also hit seven throws from “downtown“. Overall, the met Celtics in the Do-or-die-Game against them bucks 22 threes – and made a new one franchise-Record up.
“Giannis survives” – Boston now favorite
Because of their deep, balanced instrumentation, Boston now as favorites for the final in the east against Miami – and probably also on the NBA-Title. It will again depend on Daniel Theis’ clearing qualities. the Celtics have the national player mainly because of his strength on the defensive and in the rebound retrieved. Center veteran is at his side Al Horfordwho also against Milwaukee got into great shape.
that the Celtics prevailed against the champion team around Antetokounmpo, the “best players in the world“, how Guard Jaylen Brown said after game seven should give them an extra boost of confidence. This also believes ESPN-Columnist Brian Windhorst: “If you fly to Miami on Monday, you can put a sticker on your suitcase beforehand: We survived Giannis.“