BOSTON (AP) — Luka Doncic continues to amass injuries and points throughout these NBA Finals. However, for the second consecutive game, he found himself lacking ample support from his Mavericks teammates. This occurred even on a night when the Boston Celtics seemed determined to provide Dallas with an opportunity to snatch a road victory.
Doncic showcased his brilliance by converting 12 of 21 shots, culminating in 32 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. This marked his 10th career playoff triple-double and the first Finals triple-double in Mavericks’ history. Yet, his teammates collectively struggled, shooting 26 of 59 from the field. This lack of efficiency was juxtaposed against Boston's own woes from beyond the arc, where they managed just 10 of 30. Additionally, All-Star Jayson Tatum's 6-of-22 shooting performance didn't help, but the Celtics still secured a 105-98 victory in Game 2.
This outcome leaves the Mavericks trailing by two games as the series moves to Dallas for Game 3 on Wednesday.
“Every game we lose is a missed opportunity for us,” remarked Doncic, expressing disappointment at not capitalizing on Boston's off night. “At the end of the day, we have to make shots to win the game.”
This was Dallas' first Game 2 loss of the playoffs, having won three consecutive road games previously. Now facing a formidable Boston team that has lost only twice this postseason, the Mavericks are confronted with the challenge of winning four out of five games, a task made more daunting considering the Celtics' 6-0 road record this postseason.
ADVERTISEMENTDallas struggled both from the 3-point line (6 of 26) and the free-throw line (16 of 24). Doncic, despite his stellar performance, missed four of his eight free throw attempts and committed eight turnovers.
“The small things, you know, we have to do the small things, and that’s part of the game,” reflected Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “Those are points that we left on the board, and we didn’t shoot free throws well tonight, and we have to be better.”
Doncic started Game 2 despite being listed as probable earlier due to a sprained right knee and left ankle, which were later compounded by a bruised chest. He was cleared to play after pregame warmups, though he appeared to be hindered by his injuries at times.
Despite his visible discomfort, Doncic displayed his offensive prowess, engaging in a verbal exchange with a Celtics fan seated courtside after consecutive baskets. Yet, his efforts weren't enough to stem the tide of Boston's momentum.
Kyrie Irving's improved performance for the Celtics further compounded Dallas' woes. After a lackluster Game 1, Irving finished Game 2 with 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting, providing some relief for Boston's offense.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got to make some more shots,” Doncic reflected. “I think my turnovers and my missed free throws cost us the game. So I’ve got to do way better in those two categories.”
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