The Boston Celtics secured a pivotal 105-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Dallas. The win underscored Boston’s team-oriented approach, showcasing contributions from across the roster in their pursuit of an unprecedented 18th NBA championship.
The Celtics demonstrated their depth and cohesion, with standout performances from several key players. Jrue Holiday led the charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds, playing a crucial role in both ends of the court. Derrick White added 18 points and made a significant defensive play in the game’s final moments, sprinting down the court to block a potential Mavericks basket.
Jayson Tatum, despite a challenging shooting night, filled the stat sheet with 18 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, highlighting his all-around contribution to the team’s success. Jaylen Brown was equally effective, scoring 21 points and adding three steals, including a crucial defensive stop in the closing minutes.
One of the game’s defining moments came as the third quarter ended. Payton Pritchard banked in a half-court shot at the buzzer, extending Boston’s lead to 83-74. This momentum carried into the fourth quarter, allowing the Celtics to maintain their advantage despite a late surge from Dallas.
The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic’s historic triple-double — 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists — fought valiantly. Doncic, who was uncertain to play until shortly before tipoff, recorded the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas franchise history. However, his fourth-quarter output was limited to just three points, which came during a late 9-0 run that brought the Mavericks within five points at 103-98.
In the game’s final minute, Boston’s defense shined. After Derrick Jones Jr. blocked Tatum’s dunk attempt, White and Brown combined to thwart P.J. Washington’s potential dunk at the other end. Brown then converted a layup, extending the Celtics’ lead. Doncic’s subsequent miss on a one-footed, running floater from beyond the arc sealed Dallas’ fate, as Boston held on for the victory.
As the series moves to Dallas, the Mavericks will need to regroup and find ways to counter Boston’s balanced attack. The Celtics, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and inch closer to their historic 18th championship. Game 3 will be crucial for both teams, with Dallas looking to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and Boston seeking to tighten their grip on the series.
The Celtics’ performance in Game 2 epitomized a collective effort where every player contributed meaningfully, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility. With the series now heading to Dallas, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting continuation of this NBA Finals matchup.