The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 105-98 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals at TD Garden in Boston on Sunday, extending their series lead to 2-0.
Luka Doncic came out blazing for the Mavericks, scoring 23 points in the first half on 9-of-13 shooting. Recognizing the need to capitalize on Doncic’s offensive prowess early, the Mavericks relied heavily on their star to set the tone. His aggressive play aimed to force the Celtics to adjust defensively, ideally creating opportunities for his teammates.
The strategy initially paid off, prompting the Celtics to double-team Doncic starting in the second quarter. This defensive pressure limited him to just nine points in the second half. Unfortunately for Dallas, the supporting cast struggled to capitalize on the shifted defense. The Mavericks’ role players faltered from beyond the arc, missing 20 of their 26 three-point attempts. Doncic himself accounted for four of the team’s six successful three-pointers, hitting four out of nine attempts.
The Celtics, meanwhile, executed a balanced attack and leveraged their home-court advantage. Their defensive adjustments effectively contained Doncic after his explosive start, while their offense maintained consistent pressure on the Mavericks.
With this victory, the Celtics have placed the Mavericks in a precarious position. As the series progresses, Dallas will need to find a way to support Doncic offensively and break through Boston’s defensive schemes to turn the tide.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on June 9: Mavs in serious trouble against Celtics
cgtn.com
