Jayson Tatum recently appeared on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' , where he made a bold prediction for the upcoming NBA season:
"It’s going to be a rematch. We’re going to play Dallas again." (5:15)
Jayson Tatum was referencing the 2024 NBA Finals, where the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games to win their 18th championship. Now, he’s predicting a rematch between these two rising powerhouses.
The Celtics enter the 2024-25 season as strong favorites to repeat as champions. While veteran leader Al Horford has retired, the Celtics have managed to retain most of their championship-winning squad. Additionally, they added Lonnie Walker IV on a team-friendly deal to provide depth. Tatum, alongside Jaylen Brown , remains the core of this dominant Celtics team, with role players like Derrick White , Jrue Holiday , and Kristaps Porzingis filling out a versatile and dangerous roster.
However, the Celtics' road back to the NBA Finals won’t be easy. The Philadelphia 76ers have significantly strengthened their squad by acquiring Paul George , while the Milwaukee Bucks will be eyeing a deep playoff run, now having both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy and with no midseason coaching turmoil.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have retained their core and brought in a new coach, looking to make a deeper playoff push. The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are also serious threats, with the Knicks making a massive move to acquire Mikal Bridges , pairing him with Jalen Brunson , Julius Randle , and Josh Hart .
On the other side, the Mavericks face an even tougher path in the Western Conference. They lost key players like Derrick Jones Jr., Josh Green, and Tim Hardaway Jr. but made a splash by signing sharpshooter Klay Thompson to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving . They also added depth with Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes, improving their versatility and defense. Despite these moves, the Mavericks will face stiff competition in the West.
The Oklahoma City Thunder , with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein joining their young core, have become even more formidable. The Denver Nuggets , while losing key role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, still boast reigning MVP Nikola Jokic .
The Minnesota Timberwolves , fresh off a Western Conference Finals appearance, are driven by Anthony Edwards , who is ready to take over the league. The Memphis Grizzlies will have a healthy Ja Morant back, and teams like the Suns, Lakers, and Clippers, though slightly lower in the pecking order, are still loaded with superstar talent. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings added DeMar DeRoza n to their already dynamic squad, making them another dark horse contender.
In the 2024 NBA Finals, the Celtics largely outclassed the Mavericks, winning in five games. Tatum was a key contributor, showcasing his leadership and skill on the biggest stage. However, both teams have since retooled and improved, setting up the possibility of an even more competitive rematch. If Tatum’s prediction comes true, fans can expect another thrilling battle between two of the league’s most exciting teams.
Related: Joe Mazzulla On The Celtics Defending Their Title: "It's A Very Passive-Aggressive Term..."
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