Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reveals he almost punched Celtics star in 2024 Finals

Despite their promising run to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks' future championship aspirations took an unexpected turn. Impatient with Luka Doncic's lingering calf injury, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison traded the five-time All-NBA First Teamer to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star but an older player considered an injury risk.

Similarly, the Boston Celtics, who defeated Dallas in the 2024 Finals, faced significant challenges just two years later. With star Jayson Tatum potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tear, Celtics president Brad Stevens traded starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday primarily to reduce the team's luxury tax burden.

New details have also emerged about the high tensions during the 2024 Finals series itself. Kyrie Irving admitted during a live stream with former teammate and Finals rival Jaylen Brown that he nearly fought Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard. Irving specifically recalled an incident at halftime where he "thought about swinging" at Pritchard, stating "He would not touch" and referencing an incident related to a half-court shot attempt.