Top Ten Most Important Players In NBA Finals
Lists are very popular today. Understandably so, as they’re a great way to spark debate and raise engagement by being insightful, frustrating, and even confusing. With the 78th NBA Finals set to tip-off, many lists of the “top-ten best players” between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics have surfaced. Keeping the spirit of lists alive, I’ve created my list of the top ten most IMPORTANT, not best, players in this Finals. Without further ado, see the list below:
#1) Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks
Self-explanatory. The best player in this series, plain and simple. No matter what, he is going to average a nearly 30-point triple-double. The 25-year-old, 5x All-Star and 5x All-NBA selection enters this NBA Finals number two all-time in playoff scoring points per game, with just above 31ppg behind only Michael Jordan(33.4ppg). If Dallas has any chance in this series, two things will have to happen. Luka must play even higher than his playoff averages, and the “others” must come along for the ride. We know Luka “Magic” will show up, but “Will it be enough?” is the question.
#2) Jrue Holiday - Boston Celtics
Defense wins championships, and I believe the 6x All-Defensive team selection Jrue Holiday’s tenacious defense will be a stumbling block for Kyrie Irving. Holiday has been an underrated player for a long time, but his leadership, defense, and toughness have been a staple, as true lovers and observers of the sport know his supreme championship value. Guys like this are often the difference between being stuck at the hump and getting over it. The Celtics acquired Holiday this past offseason from the Portland Trailblazers, who acquired him from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade for Damian Lillard, who featured on the NBA’s Top 75 players of all-time list. Jrue was essential in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run; he now looks to fill the missing piece in the Celtics championship puzzle.
#3) Kyrie Irving - Dallas Mavericks
Every Batman needs a Robin. Kyrie Irving is one of the best “Robins” of all time. The man responsible for “The Shot” against the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is no stranger to this stage. For Dallas to come out victorious, Kyrie Irving must score at least 20 points a game in this series relatively efficiently. While Kyrie has struggled against Boston, 0-10 in the last ten games, he comes into this series playing very well, averaging 27.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves previous series.
#4) Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics
Another underrated treasure. Brown, the 2024 Eastern Conference MVP(Larry Bird Trophy) winner, is the Celtics' most consistent and, on many nights, best player. Brown is one of the best defenders in the NBA and will take turns on Kyrie and Luka. It’s almost impossible to stop an all-time scorer, but Jaylen will be pivotal to slowing down what has recently been coined “the best offensive backcourt in the history of the NBA.”
#5) Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
Pretty Privilege. While Jayson Tatum may be the face of the Boston Celtics, he is not their be-all and end-all. Typically, you need your best player to play like the best player on the court to win, but credit to President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Brad Stevens for assembling a rich man's version of the 2004 Detroit Pistons, who are the face of doing it “by committee.”
#6) Kristaps Porzingas - Boston Celtics
Sidelined since April 29th, Porzingus's return will be a massive addition for the Celtics. His length, defense, ability to stretch the floor, and unique versatility on offense and defense will add even more depth to the multidimensional Boston Celtics. The Celtics have been great without “The Unicorn” in the lineup, but his 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds averaged in the regular season will be needed and helpful in finishing off this title run.
#7) Derrick White - Boston Celtics
Always on time. Whenever the Celtics are rolling, Derrick White seems to be in the thick of things. He’s the exact championship role player you want on your team. Acquired from the San Antonio Spurs, he is a streaky scorer and a consistent pest on defense. Averaging 1.2 blocks per game as a guard is no easy feat; White is tied for 13th in the NBA this regular season in blocks and is the only Guard in the top 25.
#8) P.J. Washington - Dallas Mavericks
Life-changer. The Mavericks acquired P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, and their season has improved since. He’s been a third scorer, an energizer, and a defender, among many other hats. His 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists averaged in 19 games this playoffs will be much needed for the Mavericks to pull the upset.
#9) Derrick Lively - Dallas Mavericks
Rookie? The 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft is paying great dividends for the Mavericks. Averaging 7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists thus far in the playoffs, he has come up big defensively and on the boards. His play is energetic, and he is often on the receiving end of Luka and the Mavericks' go-to alley-oop.
#10) Daniel Gafford - Dallas Mavericks
Finishing touch. Daniel Gafford was in the wastelands of Washington playing for the Wizards before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Between him and P.J. Washington, they helped give Dallas a defensive identity. His interior scoring is a tremendous addition, and his springiness on defense is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Mavericks. Thus far in the playoffs, Gafford is averaging 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.
Do you agree with the top ten list? Comment your thoughts, additions, or subtractions below!