The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals after winning an impressive Game 5 of the 7-game Western Conference Finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and Co’s dream of making a heroic comeback ended abruptly with a Game 5 loss following their comeback in Game 4.
Following the conclusion of Game 5, a Mavericks fan on social media claimed that head coach Jason Kidd set a new milestone by becoming the first person to reach the NBA Finals as a player and coach for the same franchise. However, it turned out that Kidd was not the first coach to achieve this feat.
Bill Russell and Pat Riley both won while playing in and coaching the NBA Finals for the same franchise.
During the final three seasons of his career (1966–1969), Russell served as the Boston Celtics’ player-coach and won three titles.
Meanwhile, Riley won the NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1971-72 and later, as head coach, collected four more titles for the franchise in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
Kidd Praises Luka Doncic After Super Show in WCF
Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ star player, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 36 points, providing 5 assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds.
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After the game, Kidd praised Doncic for his outstanding performance during a press conference. He mentioned that Doncic is one of the greatest basketball players in the world and stated that Doncic set the tone and made it easier for other players.
Doncic let his teammates know that it’s time and they’ve got to take it up a notch. He sent the invites out, and they all came. We believe he is one of the greatest. I think that’s up to the media to write. You guys will place him in a place of great and GOAT debates. It was Luka’s magic mode. He set the tone, and then he made it easier for everyone else. Everybody else stepped up. Kidd said.
Dallas Mavericks will play against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 7th at TD Garden.
Also Read: “One of the Best” – Jason Kidd Raves About Luka Doncic Ahead of Western Conference Finals
