BOSTON — As the NBA Finals kick off on Thursday, one thing rival coaches can agree on: When it comes to talent, it’s advantage, Boston Celtics. “Six of the top eight guys are on Boston,” said a Western Conference assistant coach. Added an Eastern Conference assistant, “Talent usually wins out. And it’s pretty clear the Celtics are more talented.”
Can the Dallas Mavericks do anything to turn the tables? Can Luka Doncic’s brilliance carry Dallas? Will Kyrie Irving silence the Boston crowd? Or will Jayson Tatum stamp himself as one of the NBA’s top stars with a signature Finals performance?
Sports Illustrated spoke to an assistant coach from both conferences for their takes on some of the key questions in this series.
