The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks have been a showcase of dominance, strategy, and standout performances. Here are some of the major takeaways from the first two games of the series.
Key Highlights from Game 1: Celtics' Dominance and Porzingis Return
Score: Boston Celtics 107, Dallas Mavericks 89
The Celtics came out firing out on all cylinders, taking a 29-point lead in the 2nd quarter. Their crazy shot-making, great defense, and production level from players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White were pivotal in their victory. Boston's team defense was locked in, blocking five dunks or layup attempts. Dallas tried their best to make it a competitive game but was ultimately met with halting force by the Celtics. The Celtics' strategy to force Luka Doncic into a role that would limit his passing and playmaking, by mucking up the matchups and making it tough for the rest of the team to flourish. Doncic recorded only one assist, a season low for him in the playoffs.
Kristaps Porzingis returning from a long absence due to a calf injury he sustained in the first round. Porzingis made a significant impact with eleven points and three blocked shots in his first seven minutes on the court. Porzingis's presence was felt both offensively and defensively, providing a much-needed boost for the Celtics.
Key Highlights from Game 2: Holiday's Heroics and Celtics' Depth
Score: Boston Celtics 105, Dallas Mavericks 98
Jrue Holiday provided some much-needed assistance in game 2, leading the Celtics with 26 points and 11 rebounds, showing the world that he can be a prime-time player on the biggest stage in basketball. Holiday's first-half dominance set the stage for Boston's victory, scoring 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting. While both teams were struggling from 3 and while the Mavericks were struggling to pull away, Jrue was making his mark on the game.
Despite Luka Doncic's impressive 32-point, 11-rebound, and 11-assist effort, it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Mavericks. His performance highlighted the need for more support from his teammates. It is noteworthy to add that Luka also added 8 turnovers to this stat line, making it harder for the team have any type of security on this game. Along with some sub-par defense, as much credit as you can give to Luka individually, you can credit him with giving this game away.
The Celtics' defense was crucial in Game 2, with key stops and blocks in the fourth quarter helping to seal the victory. Derrick White's game-sealing block and Holiday's steal were pivotal moments. Jayson Tatum, despite struggling with his shooting, contributed significantly with 12 assists. His ability to impact the game in other ways was impressive.
Kyrie Irving's Underwhelming Performances:
Irving struggled, scoring only 12 points and missing all five of his 3-point attempts, going 6-19 from the field. His inability to finish plays and the Celtics' defensive pressure contributed to his subpar performance. He followed up this performance with another below average game. He totaled 16 points, missing all of his 3-point attempts once again, going 7-18 from the field. He is struggling to find his way in this NBA Finals. For a player that is deemed as the “most skilled player ever,” he is not showing us why he was given that title by many on social media.
Series Outlook
The Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, showcasing their depth, defensive strength, and offensive versatility. The Mavericks, on the other hand, need to find additional scoring support for Doncic from their number two option and improve their shooting efficiency as team to turn the series around. As the series shifts to Dallas, the Mavericks will need to make significant adjustments to avoid falling into an insurmountable deficit.
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