#2018 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS FREE#

They’re ahead of schedule, too, given Irving’s absence and the loss of prize free agent Gordon Hayward way back on opening night to a gruesome leg injury, coincidentally, in Cleveland. The Celtics, by contrast, are a team trying to write fresh history. What better way than to go up and compete against a guy that’s statues and things like that.” “He’s, if not the greatest, one of the greatest to do it. “He’s been doing this for a long time,” Boston’s Marcus Smart said after the clincher over Philadelphia. He has coaxed and carried these Cavs along a steep learning curve, finally getting them spiffed up by the end of their sweep of Toronto. James is trying to cap one of his most remarkable seasons by advancing to his eighth consecutive Finals, having led the Cavaliers to the past three after four with the Miami Heat. perhaps the best collection of aspirants to his throne. He may not make an impact on the court, but Jordan has been praised multiple times by head coach Michael Malone.That leaves one clear, distinct narrative: The King of the East vs. He’ll once again be a free agent this offseason, but first, he and Denver’s sights are set on winning the first championship in franchise history. He was quickly snatched up by the Nuggets in free agency and signed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal. Since then, his role has reduced each year. Jordan was once a rebounding force, reaching a career-high of 15.2 boards in his final season with the Clippers. Although it was brief, his 10.9 points mark the last time that he hit double digits with a team. He finished the season averaging 10.9 points and 11.4 rebounds in 19 games for the Knicks before becoming a free agent in the offseason and signing with the Nets.

Former Knicks center DeAndre Jordan could win first ring with Nuggets in NBA FinalsĭeAndre Jordan arrived in New York via Dallas as part of the infamous Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019. Jordan has hopped around to six teams since opting out of his deal with the Clippers in 2018, including a brief stint with the Knicks in 2018-19. He and the Clippers enjoyed three runs to the Western Conference Semifinals during his 10 seasons in Lob City but were never able to make it to the Western Conference Finals. Rather than be a force down low like he once was, Jordan has instead embraced a veteran leadership role that could pay off big-time with his first ring. The 34-year-old has appeared in three playoff games this season, but only for an average of 3.3 minutes. DeAndre Jordan played in only 39 regular season games for Denver and averaged 5.1 points and 5.2 rebounds. It works out that there’s a former Knicks center on the Nuggets, although he doesn’t play. The majority of New York Knicks fans are likely pulling for Denver after Miami eliminated the team in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

After beating the Celtics in seven games, the Heat will go up against the Nuggets with Game 1 tipping off on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The 2023 NBA Finals matchup is finally set.

2018 eastern conference finals