The Dallas Mavericks attempted to bounce back from their Game 1 blowout loss with a strong performance from Luka Dončić and an overall improved effort on the court. However, their efforts fell short as the Boston Celtics overcame their own shooting struggles to secure a 105-98 victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. This win gives the Celtics a commanding 2-0 lead in the series as it shifts to Dallas for Game 3. Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in the Finals have an 86.1% chance of winning the series.
Despite the Mavericks’ determination, the Celtics managed to pull through even with a poor shooting night from three-point range and an off game from Jayson Tatum. Jrue Holiday stepped up significantly for Boston, delivering one of his best performances of the season. He led the Celtics’ offense with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, shooting an impressive 11-of-14 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown also contributed strongly with 21 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Tatum, despite his shooting woes, provided 18 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.
El RESUMEN del GAME 2 entre los Celtics y los Mavericks 👀🎞️#NBAFinals en @MovistarNBA pic.twitter.com/hvzIngsuHS
— NBASpain (@NBAspain) June 10, 2024
The Celtics managed to extend their lead to 83-74 by the end of the third quarter, highlighted by a remarkable three-pointer from backup point guard Payton Pritchard. By the fourth quarter, Boston’s defense had tightened, and their three-point shooting improved. Derrick White’s late three-pointer pushed the Celtics’ lead to 103-89. Although the Mavericks mounted a late 9-0 run to close the gap to 103-98 with 1:15 remaining, White made a critical defensive play to secure the win. He blocked a potential layup from P.J. Washington, thwarting the Mavericks’ comeback attempt. The Celtics then scored on the other end, and the Mavericks were unable to score again.
The Dallas Mavericks lose Game 2, 105-98.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, but Dallas couldn’t quite chase Boston down late.
It’s 2-0 Celtics, going to Dallas. pic.twitter.com/9QDryzt1uD
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) June 10, 2024
Luka Dončić finished with a triple-double, tallying 32 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. However, his eight turnovers were costly and allowed Boston to maintain control of the game. Kyrie Irving also struggled in the second half, shooting 7-of-18 from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts. Irving has yet to make a three-pointer in the series after going 0-for-5 in Game 1.
Free throws were another area where the Mavericks faltered, making only 16 of 24 attempts compared to the Celtics’ 19 of 20. This inefficiency from the line contributed to their inability to close the gap.
Jaylen Brown should’ve been called for a foul on this fastbreak play that would’ve sent PJ Washington to the free-throw line and a chance for the Mavericks to cut the lead to 3 points #DifferentHere #NBAFinals
#OneForDallas #ESPNAfrica
#DALvBOS #NBA pic.twitter.com/16z9U3QXqM— Christopher (@Christo79744616) June 10, 2024
As the series moves to Dallas for Game 3, the Mavericks will hope that home-court advantage can help improve Irving’s shooting and give them a chance to get back into the series. However, with NBA history working against them, they face a significant challenge in overcoming the Celtics’ 2-0 lead.
Key Points:
i. Mavericks’ Efforts Fall Short: Despite a strong performance from Luka Dončić and an overall improved effort, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Boston Celtics in Game 2, losing 105-98.
ii. Celtics’ Resilience: The Boston Celtics secured the win despite poor shooting from three-point range and Jayson Tatum’s struggles, with Jrue Holiday leading the offense with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
iii. Key Moments and Defensive Plays: Derrick White’s crucial block in the final minute helped secure the Celtics’ victory after the Mavericks had closed the gap to 103-98.
iv. Dončić’s Triple-Double Overshadowed by Turnovers: Luka Dončić finished with a triple-double (32 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds) but his eight turnovers were pivotal in Boston maintaining control.
v. Free Throw Disparity: The Mavericks’ inefficiency at the free-throw line (16-of-24) compared to the Celtics’ near-perfect performance (19-of-20) contributed to their Game 2 loss.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
