The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks’ Game 2 will take place on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Central on ABC and ESPN. Previously, Boston blew out Dallas 107-89 in Game 1 at TD Garden for a 1-0 series lead. It’s no secret that Boston commands the Garden as the Finals tipped off with a dominant win, thanks to Boston’s early 23-5 run in the first quarter en route to a comfortable lead over Dallas.
The Celtics’ ability to guard the Mavericks and the spectacular return of Kristaps Porzingis, a former Maverick from 2019 to 2022, and his size and shooting ability could define the series. Meanwhile, the Mavericks need more from Kyrie Irving, who reportedly received a lot of boos from Celtics fans in Game 1, for a win in Game 2 to tie the series at one apiece. If Irving doesn’t slash the Celtics’ defense with fellow star Luka Doncic like in the Western Conference Finals, Dallas could fall behind and contribute to Boston becoming a favorite to win the NBA title.
Here’s why Celtics vs. Mavericks Game 2 will be extremely important for both teams.
Boston Celtics Could Feel More Confident in Dallas
The Boston Celtics could feel more confident with a 2-0 series lead before the series shifts to Dallas, Texas for Games 3 and 4 at the American Airlines Center.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was reportedly confident about Kristaps Porzingis’ recovery from a calf strain ahead of the NBA Finals. However, Mazzulla previously stressed to his squad that confidence will not get the job done during the Eastern Conference Finals. The 35-year-old most likely expects the Mavericks to respond, which would cause him to ensure that his Celtics will do the same in Dallas.
Celtics fans are confident that this was their year ahead of the Finals. They’re most likely right, especially if Kristaps Porzingis stays healthy. Porzingis, a Latvian power forward and center is often known as an injury-prone big man. Moreover, their favorite team is reportedly hungry for an NBA championship win and provides camaraderie and excitement to Boston.
Boston Celtics’ Crowd Can Affect Dallas Mavericks’ Confidence
The Boston Celtics’ home crowd, which has been described as “hostile” by some of the media, can affect the Dallas Mavericks’ confidence, despite the latter returning home for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals. Most recently, Dallas was blown out by Boston 107-89 in Game 1, and the Mavericks’ lopsided loss prompted some questions from the local and national media.
The Mavericks reportedly were confident going into Game 1 of the NBA Finals but ultimately suffered a loss to the Celtics. The Mavericks’ offensive end of the floor was atrocious, recording just nine assists in the first game of the Finals. Luka Doncic finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist. A media member asked Doncic if the Mavericks feel confident knowing they’ve been down 1-0 twice and bounced back each time, and the Mavericks star scoffed, said, “Of course, and asked, “You want me to say we have no confidence?”
Luka Doncic’s answer arguably wasn’t polite, but the Mavericks have been down this road before. The Mavericks just need to rebound from Game 1’s slugfest. The Mavericks can’t afford to shoot poorly from downtown, take fewer attempts, and vice versa.
Dallas Mavericks Must Increase Firepower to Keep up With Boston Celtics
The Dallas Mavericks must increase their firepower if they want to keep up with the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Mavericks aren’t done yet, but several of their role players, such as P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Derrick Jones Jr., need to put on much better performances moving forward.
The Celtics’ mid-range firepower and never-ending three-pointers could continue to overwhelm the Mavericks for better or worse. P.J. Washington reportedly said the Mavericks let the Celtics’ crowd get to them after Game 1’s tough loss. Of course, Game 1 shouldn’t indicate the series’ overall competitiveness but the Mavericks must find a way to stop the Celtics’ offense — and the Mavericks’ main way might consist of hoping that Kyrie Irving will be more efficient offensively, as the Celtics did a good, if not great, job at defending Irving at the rim and beyond in Game 1.
About the Author
Ana is an accomplished journalist with various credentials in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. With a diverse background and a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Jose State University, Ana can deliver the news promptly and share her opinions with confidence. Her other articles can be found here.
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