The Boston Celtics, a historic franchise with 17 NBA Championships, and the Dallas Mavericks, a relatively newer team crowned champions in 2011, have faced each other in several compelling matchups.
While not traditional rivals, the Celtics and Mavericks have built a competitive history with exciting games that shaped both teams. In this article, we explore their most significant meetings, analyzing key moments and their impacts on the broader NBA landscape.
Early Encounters: Boston’s Dominance in the 1980s
The Dallas Mavericks were founded in 1980, entering the NBA as an expansion team. In contrast, the Boston Celtics had already established themselves as basketball royalty, with legends like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish dominating the court. During the 1980s, matchups between these two teams were largely one-sided, with the Celtics winning the majority of games. For example, in the 1984-85 season, the Celtics defeated the Mavericks by a commanding margin in both games, showcasing the gap in experience and skill.
However, the Mavericks’ early struggles were not without promise. Analysts, like ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, noted that Dallas was building a team that would eventually become competitive. The Mavericks’ willingness to develop young talent laid the groundwork for their success in the 2000s.
Stat Highlight: Between 1980 and 1989, the Celtics won 18 out of 20 games against the Mavericks.
1990s: A Decade of Transition
As the 1990s unfolded, both franchises experienced significant changes. The Celtics were in the midst of a rebuilding process following the retirement of Larry Bird in 1992. Meanwhile, the Mavericks had slowly built a roster that included budding star players like Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn. The 1990s was a more balanced decade for Celtics-Mavericks matchups, with Dallas securing several wins during Boston’s transitional years.
Notably, in the 1996-97 season, Dallas recorded a stunning victory over Boston in a game where Kidd delivered a triple-double, leading the Mavericks to a narrow 105-103 win.
2000s: Dirk Nowitzki’s Era vs. Boston’s Big Three
The 2000s brought a new era of success for both franchises. Under Dirk Nowitzki’s leadership, the Mavericks became perennial playoff contenders. Nowitzki’s exceptional scoring ability and leadership led Dallas to several playoff appearances and their first NBA Championship in 2011.
In contrast, Boston formed its “Big Three” in 2007 by acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce. The Celtics won their 17th NBA Championship in 2008 and made deep playoff runs in subsequent years. During this era, Celtics-Mavericks matchups became highly competitive, often showcasing Nowitzki’s brilliance against Boston’s defensive powerhouse.
In the 2009-10 season, Dallas secured a 99-90 victory over Boston, with Nowitzki scoring 37 points. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle remarked, “It’s always a battle when we play Boston, but tonight Dirk was just unstoppable.”
2010s: Championship Aspirations and Rising Stars
In the early 2010s, both teams experienced contrasting fortunes. The Celtics, led by their aging stars, remained playoff contenders but fell short of another championship run. Dallas, however, reached the NBA’s pinnacle in 2011 by defeating LeBron James and the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship.
Key games between Boston and Dallas during this period were often close, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. In their 2010-11 matchups, each team secured one win, but it was Dallas’ championship that defined the decade for the Mavericks.
2020s: Luka Dončić vs. Jayson Tatum
As the 2020s began, the Celtics and Mavericks found themselves led by young superstars. Luka Dončić has emerged as one of the league’s brightest talents for Dallas, while Jayson Tatum has taken the reins in Boston. Their matchups have been thrilling, with both players delivering highlight-reel performances.
One such moment occurred in 2021 when Dončić hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Dallas a 110-107 victory over Boston. Analysts from NBA.com hailed Dončić’s ability to rise in clutch moments, cementing his place as one of the top players in the league.
Key Moments in Celtics vs. Mavericks Timeline
- 1984-1985 Season: Boston dominates a young Dallas team led by future Hall of Famers.
- 1990s: Dallas secures some of its first victories against a rebuilding Boston franchise.
- 2007-2008 Season: The Big Three era in Boston begins, with intense battles against Nowitzki’s Mavericks.
- 2010-2011 Season: Both teams perform at their peak, with Dallas eventually claiming the NBA Championship.
- 2021 Buzzer-Beater: Luka Dončić hits a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat the Celtics, marking a new chapter in the rivalry.
Conclusion: A Rivalry with Future Potential
While not a traditional rivalry, the Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks timeline is filled with memorable moments and evolving dynamics. As both franchises continue to build around their young stars, fans can expect more thrilling matchups that could shape the NBA for years to come.
