Doncic, Edwards, Tatum and Haliburton: Why the NBA conference finals mean a new era for basketball

Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, one of these young stars will get their first championship ring. Each of them became a key piece of their teams for reasons that go beyond their plays and effective offense. What obstacles did you overcome and how did you manage to become the new faces of the league?

The Slovenian magician

He was 19 years old when he landed in Dallas in 2018 and in the US little was known about the ‘Boy Wonder’ who had conquered the hearts of a legion of European fans. Luka Doncic, now 25 years old, has become a figure who perfectly combines the skills of two worlds.

Doncic is the engine of the Mavericks, with 33.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG and 9.8 APG, this season. The company of the veteran, Kyrie Irving, elevates his game to another level and creates the feeling that something big is coming. The Mavs are one of two teams in these Finals that know what it means to achieve glory and parade around town carrying the Larry O’Brien trophy. This 2024 they seek to repeat it thanks to the magic of Luka.

The new Jordan

20 years ago, Kevin Garnett dazzled Minnesota fans with his play, his attitude and leadership, but, mainly, for taking them to the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history. Currently, those same characteristics are reflected in Anthony Edwards, the 22-year-old Timberwolves guard who is not only a born leader, but his movements and decisions on the court are (very similar) to those of the best basketball player in history, Michael Jordan.

The tragic loss of his mother and grandmother, when he was a 14-year-old teenager, caused Edwards to find his best refuge in basketball. In this he found a means to channel his energy, forge a competitive spirit and a winning mentality. “Ant-Man” leads the Wolves offense with 28.1 points per game in these Playoffs, is one of the main actors in the historic season of the No. 3 in the West and dreams of becoming NBA champion.

The favorite

The only American player to make the 2024 All-NBA first team is Jayson Tatum of the Celtics. The Boston squad is called to take it all for history, tradition and for holding the record of victories this year.

Tatum, 25 years old and with 7 seasons with Massachusetts, has become the backbone of the team; due to his ability to score, defend and perform consistently at a high level which is reflected in his scoring, rebounding and assist averages. His critics maintain that his great weakness is in the final 5 minutes of the game. However, his ability to adapt his game and give the spotlight to his teammates could be the key that leads them to win the series against the Pacers.

The chosen one

Reggie Miller is that emblematic figure of the Indiana Pacers who has a mural on Michigan Street that represents all the love and gratitude of the city of Indianapolis for the Hall of Fame shooting guard. However, everything seems to indicate that Miller will no longer be alone in that space. Who would be chosen to accompany him? Well, a young admirer of his career called to become his successor, 24-year-old Tyrese Haliburton.

Since his arrival in 2022, “Hali”’s success has grown like a spiral and his ability to assist his teammates makes him a key player in achieving conversion. Likewise, and like Miller, he is the Pacers’ top three-point shooter in these Playoffs. Unfortunately, an injury to his left hamstring could keep him out of competition and make him a significant loser for Indy’s main quintet.