The Boston Celtics hosted the Dallas Mavericks for Game 2 of the 2023-24 NBA Finals on June 10th at TD Garden. Despite struggling with their three-point shooting, the Celtics relied on strong team defense and a near triple-double performance from Jayson Tatum to secure a 105-98 victory. This win gives Boston a 2-0 series lead, with Game 3 set to take place at the American Airlines Center on June 13th.
Strong Start for the Mavericks
The Mavericks started the game with excellent ball movement, quickly establishing a 7-2 lead. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving capitalized on their individual skills to extend the lead. However, after a failed challenge with 7 minutes remaining, Dallas saw a decline in shooting accuracy. The Celtics took advantage of this slump, using free throws to narrow the gap to a single possession.
First Quarter Battle
The first quarter remained competitive, with both teams trading blows. With just 5 seconds left, the Celtics hit their first three-pointer of the game, but the Mavericks held a slim 28-25 lead at the end of the quarter.
Celtics Rally in the Second Quarter
In the second quarter, Doncic continued to hit shots at a high rate, keeping the Mavericks ahead. Despite their struggles from beyond the arc, the Celtics managed to take their first lead of the game with 8 minutes left, thanks to contributions from Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White. Jrue Holiday’s three-pointer helped Boston secure a 54-51 lead at halftime.
Third Quarter Surge by the Celtics
The third quarter began with the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington scoring early. Doncic and Dereck Lively II also contributed, but the Celtics used their defense to fuel fast breaks, pushing their lead to double digits with 3:30 remaining in the quarter. Dallas called a timeout to regroup.
Coming out of the timeout, Doncic quickly scored four points to stop the bleeding. Additional points from Dante Exum and Washington, combined with Irving’s free throws, helped Dallas close the gap. However, the Celtics maintained their lead, ending the third quarter ahead 83-74, thanks to a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Payton Pritchard.
Final Quarter: Celtics Hold Firm
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics built momentum with a fast-break dunk following a Doncic turnover. While Irving orchestrated some scoring runs for Dallas, Boston consistently responded, keeping their lead above eight points. A scare occurred when Porzingis went down with a right leg injury, prompting an immediate timeout.
Upon resumption, White and Holiday each hit critical three-pointers, extending Boston’s lead to double digits again. Despite a late 9-0 run by Dallas, driven by free throws and a Doncic three-point play, the Celtics’ defense held strong in the final 50 seconds. A key defensive stop on a potential Washington dunk and a subsequent layup by Jaylen Brown sealed the victory for Boston, who emerged with a 105-98 win.
Key Performances
- Jayson Tatum: Near triple-double performance leading the Celtics.
- Jrue Holiday: Key three-pointer and defensive efforts.
- Luka Doncic: High-scoring performance, including crucial points in the fourth quarter.
- Kyrie Irving: Contributed significantly to Dallas’s offense.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
The Celtics now lead the series 2-0. History favors teams in this position, as they have an 86.1% chance of winning the NBA Finals. Game 3 will be crucial for the Mavericks as they return home to the American Airlines Center, hoping to turn the tide.
Conclusion
The Celtics’ blend of defensive resilience and timely scoring has put them in a commanding position in the 2023-24 NBA Finals. As the series shifts to Dallas, all eyes will be on how the Mavericks respond to the Celtics’ 2-0 lead.
Upcoming Schedule
- Game 3: June 13th, 8:30 AM, American Airlines Center
The Boston Celtics’ victory in Game 2 has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the NBA Finals. Fans can expect a fierce contest as both teams vie for the championship.(747Live)
