The Dallas Mavericks have achieved a remarkable feat by defeating three 50-win teams in their journey to the NBA Finals, a milestone not seen since the 2010 Los Angeles Lakers.
The Mavericks overcame the 51-win Los Angeles Clippers, the 57-win Oklahoma City Thunder, and the 56-win Minnesota Timberwolves to earn their spot in the Finals. Now, they face the formidable Boston Celtics, who boast a league-best 64-win season.
The last team to accomplish a similar feat was the 2010 Los Angeles Lakers. That year, the Lakers defeated three 50-win teams within their own conference, mirroring the Mavericks’ path.
The Lakers first overcame the 50-win Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, followed by the 53-win Utah Jazz in the second round, and then the 54-win Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Their journey culminated in a showdown with the 59-win Boston Celtics, another formidable team.
The 2010 Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, emerged victorious in a grueling seven-game series against the Celtics to win the NBA Championship. This historic run was marked by intense competition and resilience, showcasing the Lakers’ ability to prevail against top-tier opponents.
As the Mavericks prepare to face the Celtics in the Finals, they find themselves in a situation reminiscent of the 2010 Lakers. The Celtics, much like their predecessors, are a powerhouse team, creating a formidable challenge for the Mavericks. The question now is whether the Mavericks can emulate the Lakers’ success and secure the championship.
