The Dallas Mavericks bounced back from their Game 1 loss on Sunday night with a big game from Luka Doncic and improved efforts from the field.
It doesn’t matter.
The Boston Celtics overcame poor shooting from 3 and from Jayson Tatum to cruise to a 105-98 win in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Jrue Holiday led Boston’s offense with one of his best games of the season. The Celtics now hold a 2-0 series lead as the series prepares to shift to Dallas for Game 3. According to ESPN, teams that go 2-0 in the Finals have a 31-5 record (86.1%).
Boston won Game 1 after opening the game with a 58-29 lead in the second quarter and not allowing Dallas to take the lead from there. Dallas looked like the stronger team early Sunday as Doncic took over with a 23-point shot in the first half. After scoring 12 points in Game 1, Kyrie Irving scored 10 in the first half as Boston had few answers for Dallas’ elite backcourt duo.
But the Celtics still led 54-51 at halftime while shooting 3 of 15 from long range. They then focused on defense to open the third quarter and take control of the game. Dallas turnovers — many by Dončić — were repeatedly converted into points on the other end.
The Celtics increased their lead to 83-74 in the third quarter, which was capped by a miraculous three-pointer from backup point guard Payton Pritchard.
By the fourth quarter, Boston’s defense was in control, and its three-point shooting returned to form. A three-pointer from Derrick White increased the Celtics’ lead to 103-89 in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Derrick White’s late save secures Celtics win
But Dallas isn’t finished yet. The Mavericks led 9-0, and the Celtics narrowed the gap to 103-98 with one minute and 15 seconds left. As time approached the final minute, Dallas threatened to reduce the game to one possession. Derek White had other ideas.
Derrick Jones Jr. blocked a layup from Tatum at the rim to spark fast breaks for Dallas. Irving then found P.J. Washington with a bounce pass for what looked like a layup to cut Boston’s lead to 3. But White — the team’s all-defensive pick along with Holiday — chased the play and blocked Washington from behind.
The block hampered the Mavericks’ drive and nearly ended the game. Boston scored at the other end, and the Mavericks did not score again.
Holiday takes on the star role in Game 2
While Tatum struggled from the field, Holiday took over the offense. The former All-Star and reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks is an elite player in the Celtics offense and can count on any of their starters and now sixth man Kristaps Porzinis to take over on any given night. It was Holiday’s turn Sunday in his best offensive game of the season.
Holiday sparked the Celtics’ offense in the first half, scoring 17 points. He finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds along with three assists, one steal and one block. He shot 11-of-14 from the field and 2-of-4 from 3.
Jaylen Brown posted another strong effort after helping lead the Celtics to a Game 1 victory. He scored 21 points, seven assists and three steals while shooting 8 of 15 from the field. Tatum overcame his poor shooting night (6-of-22, 1-of-7 from 3) with an all-around effort that showcased his skills as a playmaker. He finished the game with 18 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.
On a night in which Boston shot 10-of-39 from 3, White was a bright spot from long range in a 4-of-10 effort. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks, including a game-high shutout in the final minute.
Dončić TOs, Irving’s shooting woes sink Mavericks
Dončić calmed down after a 23-point first half as Boston’s defense dominated. He finished the game by scoring 32 points, 11 assists, and a triple-double of 11 rebounds. He recorded four steals and shot 12 of 21 from the field and 4 of 9 from 3. But his eight turnovers helped Boston take control of the game.
Irving struggled in the second half after shooting 5 of 10 before the end of the first half. He finished with 16 points and six assists while shooting 7-of-18 from the field. He missed all three of his three-point attempts and has yet to make a 3-pointer in the series after going 0-for-5 in Game 1.
Free throws were costly for Dallas again. The Mavericks left points at the goal line on 16 of 24 attempts, while the Celtics scored on 19 of 20 attempts.
Wednesday’s third game will provide Dallas with home comforts that could help with Irving’s shooting woes. But the Mavericks face an uphill climb with NBA history working against them as they look to turn this series into a series.
Live coverage has ended44 updates
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Oh my god, Payton Pritchard!
After the Celtics took an 80-67 lead, the Mavericks responded with a 7-0 run to close the third quarter… until Payton Pritchard hit a 34-footer at the buzzer. Pritchard had a knack for those shots in the playoffs. The Celtics led 83-74 entering the fourth quarter.
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