Welcome to the 2024 NBA Finals! The excitement in the air is electric as we prepare for the most thrilling showdown in basketball. This year’s Finals bring a special kind of joy and historical significance, featuring two Black head coaches: Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics. These remarkable men are about to etch their names into a select list of trailblazers in NBA history.
This moment harks back to the 1975 NBA Finals, where KC Jones (Washington) faced off against Al Attles (Golden State), and the 2017 Finals, where Mike Brown (interim-Golden State) and Tyronn Lue (Cleveland) went head-to-head. It’s a rare and beautiful occurrence that reminds us of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go.
On the court, we’ll see some of the best talent the league has to offer. Boston’s forward Jayson Tatum and Dallas’ guard Luka Doncic, both first-team All-NBA players, will lead their teams into battle. The supporting cast is nothing short of stellar, with Celtics’ guard Jaylen Brown and Mavericks’ guard Kyrie Irving bringing their All-NBA caliber skills to the fray.
The Boston Celtics, boasting the most efficient offense in NBA history, dominated the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record and have only stumbled twice in the playoffs. Their journey to the Finals has been marked by precision, power, and an unwavering determination to claim their 18th championship, setting an NBA record.
On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks, the fifth seed in the West, have turned heads and shattered expectations. Their strategic February trades brought in center Daniel Gafford and forward P.J. Washington, who have seamlessly integrated with the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. This revamped Mavericks squad has become a formidable force, eager to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since 2011, when Jason Kidd, then a player, led them to their only title.
Beyond the stats and strategies lies a narrative of profound significance. The Mavericks’ triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves brought us to this historic moment: the third time in NBA history that two African American head coaches will face off in the Finals, and the first such meeting in seven years.
Jason Kidd, an NBA legend and former Mavericks star, retired in 2013 after a dazzling 19-season career, ranking second all-time in assists. As the starting point guard, he guided the Mavericks to their first NBA title in 2011. His journey from player to coach is a testament to his enduring impact on the game.
Reflecting on this milestone, we remember pioneers like Bill Russell and Earl Lloyd. When Al Attles coached the Golden State Warriors against K.C. Jones and the Washington Bullets in the 1975 Finals was a groundbreaking moment. The 2017 Finals featured Tyronn Lue and Mike Brown, two Black head coaches, going head-to-head, with Brown stepping in for an injured Steve Kerr.
This year, Kidd and Mazzulla become only the second official Black coach pairing in NBA Finals history. Notably, Kyrie Irving will be the only player to participate in two Finals featuring Black head coaches, having played in the 2017 Finals as well.
This moment transcends the game; it's a symbol of hope and progress. It’s a celebration of the talent, perseverance, and leadership of Black coaches in the NBA. Let’s hope this trend continues, inspiring future generations to dream big and break barriers.
So, as we prepare for the tip-off, let’s not only cheer for our favorite teams but also celebrate this historic moment. The NBA Finals are more than a championship battle; they are a testament to how far we’ve come and a vision of the bright future ahead.
Here’s to a thrilling series and to the inspiring legacy of Jason Kidd and Joe Mazzulla. May their journeys continue to inspire and pave the way for many more to follow.
BLACK HEAD COACHES IN THE NBA FINALS
2024: Jason Kidd (Dallas) vs. Joe Mazzulla (Boston)
2017: Mike Brown (Golden State) vs. Tyronn Lue (Cleveland)
1975: Al Attles (Golden State) vs. K.C. Jones (Washington)
The 2024 NBA Finals, Presented by YouTube T.V., will begin June 6, with ABC as the exclusive broadcaster.
•Game 1: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Thursday, June 6 (8:30 PM EST)
•Game 2: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 9 (8:00 PM EST)
•Game 3: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12 (8:30 PM EST)
•Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Friday, June 14 (8:30 PM EST)
•Game 5: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 PM EST)*
•Game 6: Celtics vs. Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 PM EST)*
•Game 7: Mavericks vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8:00 PM EST)*
*If necessary
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