Why the Mavs Defense Is the Key to Their Success, and the Celtics’ Lack of Consistency. Plus, Is Game 3 a Trap Game for the Knicks? | Real Ones

Logan, Raja, and Howard preview the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, debate who has the most to gain from winning the title, discuss how this series can swing the reputations of specific players, make predictions, and much more (2:00). Finally, the guys close with Mailbag Monday (48:00). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Verrierables are back! This time Justin, Rob, and Wos begin their preview of the NBA Finals by answering six questions about this matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks including their Finals predictions. Buy tickets to our live show in Los Angeles here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit http://www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Social: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard discuss the Mavs closing out the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, what they learned about both teams in Game 5, and the lasting ramifications of this series for the West (1:04). Next, they talk about the Mavs adding a few key pieces at the trade deadline, how making the right moves can alter the championship trajectory of a team in the modern NBA, and Kyrie’s on-court redemption arc (30:31). Later, they debate where Luka and Kyrie fall in the argument for the best NBA backcourts of all time (50:06). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (58:52). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss the Timberwolves' win over the Mavs in Game 4. They talk about what worked for the Wolves in Game 4 and whether they can continue to extend the series. Then, they talk about the passing of NBA legend Bill Walton and the impact he had on their lives and basketball in general (34:05). Lastly, they wrap up with a check-in on some NBA news, including Clippers coach Ty Lue getting a lucrative contract extension and the possibility of JJ Redick becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers (45:23). Buy tickets to our live show in Los Angeles here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Social: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Howard, and Raja react to the Celtics sweeping the Pacers and punching their ticket to the franchise’s 23rd finals appearance (04:00). Then, the guys reflect on the shocking nature of this Mavericks-Timberwolves series, as the Wolves are on the brink of elimination (32:05). Later, producer Kerm reads your questions for Logan, Howard, and Raja to answer on a rare Tuesday edition of Mailbag Monday (54:00). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos recap the Celtics comeback win against the Pacers to take a 3-0 lead. They talk about Jayson Tatum’s big game, the valiant effort from the Pacers, and if there’s anything left the want to see from the Celtics this series (2:39). Then they talk about the Mavericks being up 2-0 on the Timberwolves and who in Minnesota is under the most pressure (33:29). Buy tickets to our live show in Los Angeles here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Social: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live on The Ringer NBA YouTube channel immediately following Luka Doncic’s nasty game-winner to put the Dallas Mavericks up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, The Ringer’s Justin Verrier and Tyler Parker attempt to catch their breath after an absolutely epic Game 2. The guys discuss Luka’s heroics, why Rudy Gobert was still in the game despite constantly being hunted, as well as Dereck Lively’s massive impact and the specific improvements Anthony Edwards needs to make for the Timberwolves to have any semblance of hope the rest of the series. They close things out by discussing the Pacers’ chances to win any more games in the Eastern Conference Finals and whether or not their opinion on Tyrese Haliburton’s greatness has changed during these playoffs. For more live streams throughout the NBA playoffs, subscribe to The Ringer NBA YouTube channel! Buy your tickets to The Ringer NBA Show: Group Chat live show in Los Angeles here! Hosts: Justin Verrier and Tyler Parker Producer: Ben Cruz Additional Production Support: Jack Wilson, John Richter and Jonathan Frias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss why this year’s postseason has been so exciting, the Boston Celtics' commanding 2-0 lead, and the impact of Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury (1:12). Next, they talk about how the Mavs stole Game 1 and why they’re worried for the Timberwolves (26:40). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (46:33). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos give their immediate reactions to Luka and Kyrie carrying the Mavs to a big road win in Game 1 over the Timberwolves. They talk about Kyrie’s big first half and Luka’s big fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards's struggles, and what they expect moving forward in the series (9:07). Then, they talk about Boston sneaking past Indiana in Game 1, and what each team needs to improve on the rest of the series (41:17). Buy tickets to our live show in Los Angeles here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Social: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss Sunday’s exciting Game 7 double-header, the front office question marks hanging over the Timberwolves’ successful postseason run, Anthony Edwards growing as a leader, and how the Nuggets will move forward after this series loss (2:00). Along the way, they make predictions on the Timberwolves-Mavs Western Conference finals matchup. Next, they talk about the injury-riddled Knicks, Thibs’ polarizing coaching style, and Tyrese Haliburton transforming into a star (38:15). Later, they make predictions on the Celtics-Pacers Eastern Conference finals matchup. Finally, the guys close with Mailbag Monday (59:08). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices