Celtics Dominate Mavericks 105-98, Secure 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals as Series Moves to Dallas

The Boston Celtics are closing in on their unprecedented 18th NBA championship after securing a 105-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

Team Effort Leads to Victory

Jrue Holiday led the Celtics with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Derrick White contributed a crucial chase-down block. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also played significant roles with their passing and defense.

“I’m really tired of hearing about one guy or this guy or that guy and everybody trying to make it out to be anything other than Celtic basketball,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Everybody that stepped on that court today made winning plays on both ends of the floor.”

Tatum, despite a rough shooting night, recorded 12 assists and nine rebounds along with his 18 points. Brown added 21 points and three steals, and White chipped in 18 points and three steals. Peyton Pritchard’s only basket of the game was a banked half-courter to beat the third-quarter buzzer, giving Boston an 83-74 lead.

Luka Doncic’s Historic Performance

Luka Doncic scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, marking the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas franchise history. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Celtics’ balanced attack.

“They have a lot of great players. Basically, anybody can get off,” Doncic said. He was listed as questionable before the game but delivered his 10th career playoff triple-double.

However, Doncic managed only three points in the fourth quarter, scoring a three-point play with 1:15 left as Dallas cut a 14-point deficit to 103-98.

Crucial Defensive Plays

After Derrick Jones Jr. blocked Tatum’s dunk attempt, White sprinted down the court to block P.J. Washington’s potential dunk, with Brown assisting in the effort. Brown then made a layup at the other end, and Doncic missed a critical shot, ending Dallas’ comeback hopes.

Upcoming Games in Dallas

Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday in Dallas. The Celtics, who have not lost on the road this postseason, aim to continue their streak and avoid a sweep. Boston fans are already making space for another championship banner.

The Celtics have won the opening two games of the NBA Finals nine times previously and have never been forced to a Game 7 in those series.

Mavericks’ Struggle and Celtics’ Resilience

Kristaps Porzingis contributed 12 points for Boston, playing through an injury. Tatum struggled with his shooting, going 6 for 22 and 1 of 7 from 3-point range. Despite the poor shooting performance, the Celtics’ team effort secured the win.

Kyrie Irving, who faced constant boos and chants from the Boston crowd, scored 16 points but has now lost 12 consecutive games against the Celtics.

Unlike their Game 1 performance, where Boston excelled from 3-point range in the first quarter, the Celtics missed their first eight attempts from beyond the arc in Game 2. Dallas led throughout the first quarter, but Boston rallied to take control by halftime.

Peyton Pritchard’s half-court buzzer-beater excited the crowd and gave Boston a significant lead going into the final quarter. Despite the hostile environment, Irving acknowledged the taunting with a shake of his head.

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