On Sunday night, the Dallas Mavericks dropped a 105-98 decision to the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in a nationally televised game. The Mavericks stumbled around the Celtics in Boston and lost not only Game 1 but also Game 2, a game that the Mavericks could’ve — and should’ve — won to gain some control in the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals will shift to Dallas for Games 3 and 4. The Mavericks will have home-court advantage, per se, but the Mavericks probably won’t beat the Celtics with just the home crowd’s energy at the American Airlines Center.
Luka Doncic reportedly became available after initially being listed as questionable by Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Doncic led the Mavericks in Game 3’s loss with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Doncic’s play improves the Mavericks, but the Celtics’ balanced efforts out-classed Doncic and company.
Here’s why the Mavericks must win a crucial Game 3 versus the Celtics.
A Game 3 Loss Could Haunt Dallas Mavericks for Years
The Minnesota Timberwolves postseason ended in a Game 5 blowout, 124-103, in Minneapolis, but the Dallas Mavericks could experience a similar fate — unless they bounce back from their mistakes, miscues, and most of all, turnover issues.
Although Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in scoring, the 25-year-old also had a game-high eight turnovers in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. Doncic’s turnover with four minutes left on the clock was especially egregious. Doncic reportedly took the blame for the Mavericks’ Game 2 loss and told reporters, “I think my turnovers and my missed free throws cost us the game … So I’ve got to do way better in those two categories. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to make shots to win the game.”
There’s some truth in Luka Doncic’s postgame words. Though Doncic wasn’t the only factor, his leadership (or lack thereof) can arguably make or break the Dallas Mavericks’ postseason. Doncic’s inability to close out Jrue Holiday’s three-point attempt was a factor. The other factors associated with Doncic include his missed free throws and poor 1-of-6 shooting.
The Dallas Mavericks Might Not Come Back From Negative Looks
The Dallas Mavericks might not come back from negative looks in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. If the Mavericks don’t win Game 3 in Dallas, they’ll lead the Celtics to the door with all the answers. The Mavericks’ lack of an offensive answer is helping this year’s Celtic team maintain their season-long identity — a team that looks comfortable and consistently slashes a switch-heavy defense off the dribble.
There’s a chance that the Dallas Mavericks can bounce back from a negative impression, but they must protect the point, avoid turnovers, and slash an arguably great transition defense. The Mavericks might want to watch the tape from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves’ series before Game 3, as they would see themselves protecting the paint, contesting shots, and running hot shooters off the line. All of the Celtics players can shoot three-pointers and take the rim away, and the Mavericks must start being like the team they’ve been in the past six weeks.
The Dallas Mavericks Can’t Climb a Mountain Without a Win
As the header says, the Dallas Mavericks can’t climb the mountain without a Game 3 win versus the Boston Celtic at home.
This isn’t the 2022 Dallas Mavericks team that recorded nine assists against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 — the lowest number of assists in a playoff game by a team since 2016. Right now, the 2024 Mavericks team is in a 0-2 deficit entering Game 3 vs. the Celtics. The Mavericks’ shooting must improve or else the NBA Finals are headed for a sweep. The Mavericks shot just 13-for-53 from the three-point line in Games 1 and 2 on the road. The Mavericks’ offense must hold up its end as well.
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 in a timely manner and share her opinions with confidence. Her other articles can be found here.
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