As the NBA Playoffs enter the Conference Finals stage, BD Cricket Live reporters confirm the final four contenders: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers. One of these four teams will soon hoist the championship trophy. Notably, the Celtics finished as the top seed in both the East and the entire league, while the Timberwolves secured the third seed in the West—only one win behind the Thunder and Nuggets. In fact, Minnesota led the conference for much of the season, proving their championship-caliber potential.
Sometimes, what people assume they can’t do is merely the result of giving up on their untapped potential. That’s exactly what makes this year’s playoff run so compelling—especially with the Mavericks and Pacers emerging as dark horses, much like the Lakers and Heat last season. The Lakers made a run to the Western Finals as a No. 7 seed, while Miami went all the way to the Finals as an eighth seed. This year, the Mavericks (No. 5) and Pacers (No. 6) both defied expectations, advancing to the Conference Finals without the benefit of home court advantage.
It hasn’t been easy. Indiana needed all seven games to edge past the New York Knicks, and Dallas battled through two tough six-game series. Both teams benefited from key injuries—Milwaukee and New York were riddled with absences, and Dallas capitalized on Kawhi Leonard’s injury. Still, BD Cricket Live analysts believe their progress reflects more than just good fortune—it’s about execution and star power.
Dallas, in particular, showed their strength by winning two straight road Game 5s—commonly dubbed “must-win mountain matches” in playoff lore. Their series pattern has been remarkably consistent: lose Game 1, bounce back with two wins, face a pivotal Game 5, and finish it off in Game 6. That kind of resilience speaks volumes.
The Mavericks’ deep run is largely powered by the superstar duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Two years ago, Dončić reached the Western Finals with Jalen Brunson. Now with Irving at his side, he looks even more unstoppable. The chemistry between the two has turned Dallas into a serious title contender, and this may be Luka’s best shot yet at a ring.
Dončić just recorded his third consecutive triple-double in the playoffs, putting him in rare company. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Nikola Jokić have logged longer such streaks—and both went on to win championships that same year. BD Cricket Live reporters note that if history is any guide, Dončić may be on a similar path to glory this season.
And as the saying goes: never make a decision when angry, never make a promise when ecstatic. The Mavericks are playing with poise, fueled by experience, focus, and two stars who know what it takes to win. The absence of home court hasn’t slowed them down—if anything, it’s sharpened their edge.