In Boston, Jrue Holiday led the scoring charge, while Derrick White showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial chase-down block. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown contributed not only with their scoring but also with their passing and defensive efforts.
The narrative of who the Celtics' standout player is became irrelevant as every player who stepped onto the court contributed to their pursuit of a historic 18th NBA championship.
Holiday's impressive performance included 26 points and 11 rebounds, while White's defensive sprint sealed the victory, denying Dallas a chance to narrow the gap to a single possession. Boston emerged triumphant with a 105-98 win, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the collective effort, highlighting how every Celtics player made impactful plays on both ends of the floor.
Despite a challenging shooting night, Tatum showcased his versatility with 12 assists and nine rebounds alongside his 18 points. Brown's defensive prowess was on display with 21 points and three steals, while White contributed 18 points and three steals of his own. Peyton Pritchard's buzzer-beating half-court shot further solidified Boston's lead.
Dallas' Luka Doncic, despite recording the franchise's first NBA Finals triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, acknowledged Boston's depth, stating that any Celtics player can step up at any moment.
Doncic's valiant effort in the fourth quarter wasn't enough to overcome Boston's lead, as Derrick Jones Jr. and White's defensive heroics sealed the Mavericks' fate. With Games 3 and 4 set in Dallas, the Mavericks aim to halt Boston's undefeated road streak to avoid a sweep and force a return to their home court.
Jason Kidd praised Doncic's performance but lamented the missed opportunities to capitalize on his playmaking. As the series progresses, the Mavericks face an uphill battle, while Boston fans anticipate the possibility of another championship banner adorning the rafters of the Boston Garden.
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