BOSTON — He checked his bags. He wore his fan gear.
Heiko Russ waited at Gate B18 to board his flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday afternoon.
He was heading to Game 5 of the NBA Finals to cheer on the Dallas Mavericks.
But Heiko isn’t from anywhere near Texas.
“When Dirk came over, my heart came over too,” he said.
All the way from Central Europe, Heiko packed his bags for multiple trips between Boston and Dallas. He has attended all four NBA Finals games so far.
“I’m from Munich, Germany. And I was actually born and raised in Wurzburg, Germany as well. The hometown of Dirk Nowitzki," he said.
Landing in Boston again on Sunday night, 24 hours before Game 5, the sun set over the home of the Boston Celtics overlooking the Charles River. It was calm, but Heiko knew that wouldn’t last.
Boston natives and tourists were mostly Celtics fans. It was difficult to find anyone who shared the same love of the Mavericks as Heiko in the city of Boston.
“I think the atmosphere will be amazing in TD Garden,” said Heiko. “It took like 30 seconds before I got yelled at for the first time.”
He’s expected the banter from Celtics fans and proudly explored Boston in his Luka Doncic jersey. He is ready for tonight.
Heiko is carrying a Game 7 mentality tonight as he enters the Garden.
“Just imagine the atmosphere at the AAC for Game 6. I mean, I’m getting goosebumps already," he said.
His return flight home to Germany isn’t until after a potential Game 7.