Both teams are trying to win their first Larry O’Brien trophy since 2011 & 2008 respectively. Here in the Delaware Valley we have local guys in the Finals coaching or playing.
Amile Jefferson of Friends Central prior to Duke and the NBA, we grew up with his father Malcom in West Philadelphia. We also played pickup basketball back then at Cato. When Amile was in 7th grade we coached him in a church league on Saturdays at West Philadelphia HS.
Now he is on Boston staff. Morris twin, Markieff already a 2020 world champion with the Lakers is a veteran off the bench in Dallas. Locally he and his brother while at Prep Charter prior to Kansas won a PIAA state title. One of the first Philadelphia HS that was allowed to do so back in 2007.
Jones Jr of Dallas we have followed since his catholic league days prior to UNLV, read up on him via City Of Basketball Love. Chester own, very athletic. Game has expanded despite being a slam dunk champion.
Lastly, Lively II just two years ago watched him lead Westtown to Friends League title vs. ANC at La Salle University. Which was prior to Duke & Mavericks, now in the NBA Finals 24 months later.