Mavericks Face Uphill Battle After Celtics’ 2-0 Start in NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics made progress in the NBA Finals, overcoming the Dallas Mavericks 105-98 on Sunday. They’ve upped the series score, now 2-0. Jrue Holiday displayed a stellar performance, scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jayson Tatum, though not at his scoring best, shined elsewhere, dishing 12 assists and netting 9 rebounds. Luka Dončić had an eventful night, scoring 32 points, securing 11 rebounds, and distributing 11 assists. Yet, he missed the opportunity to level the playing field, failing to sink a crucial three-pointer with 28 seconds remaining.
“The situation is unique. Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the stars. My role is to assist,” Holiday said. He said this despite outscoring the others. A 2-0 lead in the NBA finals yields a championship; 31 of 36 instances culminate in a title. And the Celtics? They’re on a fantastic streak of nine wins in a row.
Jaylen Brown pulled off 21 points, Tatum managed 18, and Derrick White scored 18 for Boston’s top-ranked team. Kristaps Porzingis, despite an apparent calf strain causing a noticeable limp, still racked up 12 points. Post-match, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s commitment. He stated, “We’re growing weary of chatter about individuals. This isn’t about one player or another; it’s about Celtics Basketball.”
Mazzulla briefly discussed Porzingis’ situation, simply stating, “He’s good.” Kyrie Irving, lacking a Celtics victory in 12 matchups, put up 16 points. “He’s a fantastic player. In Dallas, we expect more of him. We need to keep challenging him,” declared White post-game. Regardless, the Celtics struggled to clinch the win. Their earlier prowess, sinking their debut three-pointer, was absent. They missed the first eight tries, plummeting their success rate to around 20% throughout the match. Tatum was scoreless in the first quarter, had only five points by halftime, and was 0 for 3 from the three-point range. Despite this, Boston’s score was 5 for 30 from long-range. When Pritchard launched a half-court buzzer beater at the third quarter’s end, Boston was handed an 83-74 lead.
Still, the C’s defense stood firm, only letting the Mavericks hit 40% of their shots. The Celtics also led in rebounds, outdoing the Mavericks 43-41. This advantage kept them in the game’s driver’s seat.
The Mavericks played without starting center Dwight Powell, sidelined by a calf injury. Despite this, Dončić blew minds with a stellar triple-double. Yet, a missed shot, just 28 seconds before the game’s end, sealed the Mavericks’ fate. As they make their way back to Dallas for Wednesday night’s Game 3, the pressure rises. The mission? To stave off a sweep.
The Celtics’ winning history in the NBA Finals stands out. With 17 championships under their belt, they tied with the Los Angeles Lakers. Their latest victory? That was in June 2008, when they outplayed the Los Angeles Lakers in just six games. Since that win, they have consistently been in the playoffs, and this year, the team is set for another big win – their 18th championship.
Tatum and Brown, crucial Celtics’ players for quite some time, have improved their game. Their bond, both on and away from the court, has grown stronger. This has boosted the Celtics, placing them among the league’s top teams. The Celtics also boast a standout bench. Here, White and Pritchard have proven to be indispensable, always ready to step in when needed.
The Mavericks have had a rollercoaster season. With stars like Dončić and Irving, their potential is sky-high. But, synergy has been a challenge. Injury woes have plagued them, leading to frequent roster changes throughout their campaign.
Game 3 takes us to Dallas. It’s a must-win situation for the Mavericks. They have to pick up from their slips and take full advantage of playing at home. Meanwhile, the Celtics are eyeing another win. They crave to extend their victory run, aiming for a resounding 3-0 in the series.
Celtic nation is already in a celebratory mood. They’re clearing space in their backyards for an unprecedented 18th NBA championship flag. The energy in Boston is electric as the Celtics seize the momentum. They understand the role they could play in history, and they’re determined not to let that chance slip away.
The NBA Finals are captivating, full of vigor from both teams. The Celtics are impressive, pushing past opponents. Yet, the Mavericks remain contenders. As the event unfolds, watchers can expect continued intense competition. The Celtics stand on the brink of a big victory, but the Mavericks won’t fold easily.
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