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With the Mavericks losing the Finals G5 88-106, the Celtics won the championship with a big score of 4-1. The 2023-24 NBA season has also come to an end.
Looking back at the regular season, the Clippers entered the playoffs in fourth place in the West, which was definitely the best position. The Mavericks are fifth in the West, and they've proven it all the way to the Finals after their win over the Clippers.
When the Clippers faced the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, Leonard's absence caused great trouble for the Clippers. The Clippers are already weak on the inside, especially at the No. 4 position, and Leonard's absence has exposed this weakness.
The Mavericks traded for two young, physical interior players in the mid-season trade for Gafford and Washington, and their addition gave the Mavericks a clear advantage on the inside. The Clippers, on the other hand, had to make up their defenses frequently because of the emptiness of the interior, which also gave the Mavericks more room for their outside players to attack. Although the Clippers still won two games without Leonard, we can imagine that if Leonard is healthy, the Clippers could beat the Mavericks and go further in the playoffs.
However, the reality is always cruel. The Clippers have a lot of strength, but luck isn't on their side. The Mavericks, although not the strongest team in the West, made it to the Finals with some luck. This also makes us have to sigh that if you want to win the NBA championship, in addition to strength, luck is also an indispensable factor.
Time is also fate! Harden has had three chances to be very close to a championship. In the Rockets: In 18 Paul was injured, and the Rockets fell in the Western Finals; In the Nets: Lost by the letter one; On the Clippers: Leonard's injury (real injury or fake injury) is also lost. It can't be said that Harden has no hope of winning the championship, but there is really little hope. It can't be said that Harden's strength is not good, it's really bad luck. But I still hope and wish Harden that "damn" championship before the end of his career!
Overall, the 2023-24 NBA season is over, but the story is unforgettable. The Clippers' regrets, Harden's loss, the Mavericks' luck, and the Celtics' glory will all be forever remembered this season.