They started slow against the Cavs, who were missing Donovan Mitchell, but they quickly recovered and opened up a good lead. the Cavs wouldn't go away, though, getting hot from 3 early and just hanging around the whole night. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into that, the good games from Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jrue Holiday, and the big contribution from Payton Pritchard off the bench. Plus, why we should embrace the humanity of this Celtics team and stop hoping for something different.

Boston Celtics win tough Game 4 in Cleveland behind 60 from Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum

Locked On Celtics podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Celtics and the NBA. Hosted by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis, the Locked On Celtics podcast provides expert, local analysis from a former basketball player who is at all practices and games. The Locked On Celtics podcast takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Celtics locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Celtics podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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We're starting our week-long preview of the NBA Finals with part one of our double-barrel crossover podcasts between Locked On Celtics and Locked On Mavs with a look at how the Celtics defense will operate against Dallas, the Celtics 3-point shooting and why they'll go at it a lot, and why repetition is going to be Boston's best weapon to get the shots they want.

Boston Celtics-Dallas Mavericks NBA Finals preview: 3-point shooting & guarding Luka Doncic

Kristaps Porzingis participated in everything the Celtics did on Saturday, though we're not 100% sure what that was. But he seems to be getting even closer to a return. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal has that and then goes deep into how to defend Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the Finals, and it's two very different approaches.

Kristaps Porzingis getting closer & how Boston Celtics defend Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving

The Celtics will face the Mavs in the NBA Finals, pitting Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. How does Boston deal with Luka and Kyrie? Is there a way to wear them out? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal takes an initial look at the matchup, why each team is the other's toughest test of the playoffs, and why Boston's depth might be too much to handle. Also, how Kristaps Porzingis can be a big game-changer.

Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA Finals: How C's deal with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving

With so much time before the NBA Finals, we decided to open up the mailbag to answer a few of your questions. Those include the team's preferences in the Western Conference Finals, Boston defense vs. Dallas' offense, the NBA rooting against Boston, limiting Dallas' corner 3-pointers, Sam Hauser's 3-point shooting, Kristaps Porzingis returning, even if he's not 100%, and two-way players getting rings. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into all of that and then addresses the video of a media pick up game in Indianapolis.

Mailbag: Kristaps Porzingis return, NBA vs. Boston Celtics, & media basketball

With so much time (and as of the recording, no opponent yet), we're still celebrating the Celtics run to the Finals and the genuine joy of Jaylen Brown's MVP moment. Then, John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm dispel a myth about the Celtics effort and why things will be very different in the Finals no matter who they face.

Boston Celtics win tough Game 4 in Cleveland behind 60 from Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum

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