The Dallas Mavericks bounced back from a Game 1 blowout on Sunday night with a stellar performance from Luka Dončić and improved shooting, but it wasn't enough to secure a win.
The Boston Celtics overcame poor three-point shooting and an off night from Jayson Tatum to win 105-98 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Jrue Holiday led the Boston offense with one of his best performances of the season. The Celtics now hold a 2-0 series lead as the series shifts to Dallas for Game 3. According to ESPN, teams that take a 2-0 lead in the Finals have an 86.1% success rate, with a 31-5 record.
Boston dominated Game 1 with a 58-29 second-quarter run, never allowing Dallas to regain the lead. In Game 2, Dallas appeared stronger early on, with Dončić scoring 23 points in the first half. Kyrie Irving, who scored 12 points in Game 1, added 10 points by halftime, challenging Boston’s defense.
Despite their struggles from long distance (3-of-15), the Celtics held a 54-51 halftime lead. They tightened their defense in the third quarter, capitalizing on Dallas turnovers, many by Dončić, to extend their lead. A remarkable three-pointer from backup point guard Payton Pritchard capped off the quarter, pushing Boston's lead to 83-74.
Boston's defense dominated in the fourth quarter, and their three-point shooting improved. A Derrick White three-pointer extended the Celtics' lead to 103-89 late in the game.
However, Dallas mounted a late 9-0 run, cutting the lead to 103-98 with 1:15 remaining. As the clock ticked into the final minute, Dallas threatened to make it a one-possession game. Derrick Jones Jr. blocked a Tatum layup, sparking a fast break. Irving found P.J. Washington for what looked like an easy layup, but White, an All-Defensive Team selection, chased down the play and blocked Washington from behind. This pivotal block stunted the Mavericks' rally, and Boston scored on the other end, sealing the game as Dallas failed to score again.
Despite Tatum's shooting struggles (6-of-22, 1-of-7 from three), Holiday took charge on offense. The former All-Star finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, shooting 11-of-14 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, seven assists, and three steals, shooting 8-of-15 from the field. Tatum, despite his poor shooting, recorded 18 points, a game-high 12 assists, and nine rebounds. White, a bright spot from long range, scored 18 points, with five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, including the game-sealing stop.
Dončić, who cooled off in the second half, ended with 32 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds but committed eight turnovers, which hurt Dallas. Irving, who struggled after halftime, finished with 16 points and six assists, shooting 7-of-18 from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts. Free throws also cost Dallas, as they shot 16-of-24 from the line compared to Boston's 19-of-20.
Game 3 on Wednesday offers Dallas the chance to regroup at home, potentially alleviating Irving's shooting woes. However, with history against them, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to stay in the series.
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