NBA Finals: 4 key factors

1. The hunger game for the Celtics

[{"selector":"#anim-1d69f7ed-7064-4b9b-a39f-21ef9e441619 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0.016983392357165852%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] If the Celtics meet the Mavs’ projected intensity, then it’s probably a wrap given Boston’s obvious talent advantage. But again, human nature … If the Celtics meet the Mavs’ projected intensity, then it’s probably a wrap given Boston’s obvious talent advantage. But again, human nature …

2. Jaylen Brown securing another bag

[{"selector":"#anim-2de6a15d-63b0-4f3c-9000-943f623816f0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(7.812499744007886%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Let’s get to the so-called downside of Brown’s last 12 months. Don’t worry, this will be quick: – He didn’t make any of the All-NBA teams – He wasn’t chosen for the 2024 Olympic Team That’s it. Otherwise, life’s been good. Great, actually. Let’s get to the so-called downside of Brown’s last 12 months. Don’t worry, this will be quick: – He didn’t make any of the All-NBA teams – He wasn’t chosen for the 2024 Olympic Team That’s it. Otherwise, life’s been good. Great, actually.

3. Kyrie Irving’s leadership

[{"selector":"#anim-2a5dbb2c-01f2-431b-a4d6-5c02e6b8e9e1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] He once helped a team rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a championship. He hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history. And throughout this season, he has presented himself as a changed player — mature, wise. He once helped a team rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a championship. He hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history. And throughout this season, he has presented himself as a changed player — mature, wise.

4. Potential X-factors

[{"selector":"#anim-8c397e7d-4735-4936-b38d-6b2405fa4f56 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0, -1.3002361111111085%, 0)","translate3d(0, 0%, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Sam Hauser can shoot. The Celtics know that, or at least rediscovered it after Hauser erased a chilly Game 2 (0-5 shooting) by scoring nine points in 14 minutes in Game 3. HIs ability to stretch the floor and allow Tatum and Brown to go iso makes a big difference on a team that feasts on 3s and spacing. Sam Hauser can shoot. The Celtics know that, or at least rediscovered it after Hauser erased a chilly Game 2 (0-5 shooting) by scoring nine points in 14 minutes in Game 3. HIs ability to stretch the floor and allow Tatum and Brown to go iso makes a big difference on a team that feasts on 3s and spacing.