Celtics vs Mavericks: A Comprehensive Guide
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks have a rich history of competition in the NBA, with their rivalry spanning over four decades. The two teams have faced each other numerous times, resulting in some thrilling games that showcased the skills and determination of both sides.
Early Years: Building a Rivalry
In the early years of their rivalry, the Celtics and Mavericks were vastly different teams. The Celtics, with Larry Bird at the helm, were a dominant force in the league, while the Mavericks were still finding their footing under the guidance of coach Dick Motta.
| Season |
Celtics' Record |
Mavericks' Record |
| 1982-83 |
62-20 (.756) |
38-44 (.463) |
| 1983-84 |
63-19 (.768) |
43-39 (.524) |
Bird vs. Aguirre: A Legendary Matchup
One of the most iconic matchups in Celtics-Mavericks history was between Larry Bird and Rolando Blackman's rival, Mark Aguirre. Their on-court battles were intense and closely watched by fans across the league.
- 1987-88: The Celtics' dominance continued with a 3-0 sweep of the Mavericks.
- 1990-91: The Mavericks finally broke their losing streak, taking one game from the Celtics.
Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks: Recent Years and Trends
The Celtics and Mavericks have continued to face each other in recent years, with some notable games featuring a mix of veteran players and young talent.
Tyler Zeller's Dominance over Dirk Nowitzki
In 2016, the Celtics' Tyler Zeller had an impressive performance against the Mavericks, scoring 24 points on 10-16 shooting. This was particularly noteworthy given that he was facing off against future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki.
- Dirk's career average: 22.1 PPG
- Zeller's performance in 2016: 24 PPG, 10-16 FG (62.5%)
Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks: Key Players and Statistics
The following table showcases some of the key players from both teams who have made significant contributions to their respective franchises.
| Player |
Celtics' Record (2015-2020) |
Mavericks' Record (2015-2020) |
| Larry Bird |
1982-83: 62-20 (.756) |
No records available as he played for the Celtics. |
| Rolando Blackman |
1983-84: 63-19 (.768) |
MVP of the 1987 NBA Finals, leading the Mavericks to a championship
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