Celtics Hold Off Late Mavericks Surge to Extend NBA Finals Lead

The Boston Celtics, propelled by a stellar performance from Jrue Holiday, resisted a late charge from the Dallas Mavericks to secure a 105-98 victory on Sunday, seizing a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

Despite facing early challenges with their three-point shooting, the Celtics showcased a collective effort on both ends of the court, securing their second consecutive home win. Heading into game three in Dallas, Boston finds themselves in a favorable position.

Holiday led the Celtics’ scoring with 26 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points and Jayson Tatum added 18 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. Despite Tatum’s struggles with shooting, his leadership and playmaking abilities were crucial in maintaining Boston’s offensive momentum.

Acknowledging Tatum’s impact, Holiday praised his teammate for his composure and decision-making under pressure. Tatum’s ability to navigate double-teams and create scoring opportunities proved instrumental in the Celtics’ victory.

Meanwhile, Mavericks star Luka Doncic delivered an impressive triple-double performance with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. However, Doncic lacked sufficient support from his teammates, as P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving’s contributions fell short of tipping the scales in Dallas’ favor.

Doncic acknowledged his turnovers and missed free-throws as contributing factors to the Mavericks’ defeat, emphasizing the need for improvement in crucial areas. Despite the setback, Doncic remains focused on elevating his game and rallying his team to perform better in the upcoming matches.

With the series shifting to Dallas, the pressure mounts for the Mavericks to bounce back against a resilient Celtics squad. Boston’s unbeaten record on the road this postseason adds to the challenge facing Dallas, requiring them to elevate their performance to secure a victory on their home court.

In a late-game surge, the Mavericks narrowed the deficit to five points, displaying their resilience and determination. However, Boston’s Derrick White delivered a crucial block, followed by Brown’s decisive layup, sealing the victory for the Celtics.

Reflecting on the win, Celtics veteran Al Horford expressed pride in his team’s ability to withstand the Mavericks’ onslaught and protect their home court advantage. Despite the victory, Boston’s joy was tempered by concerns over an injury to center Kristaps Porzingis, who appeared to suffer a setback in the fourth quarter.

While Porzingis’ injury raises some apprehension, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence that it is not a serious issue, providing a glimmer of reassurance amidst the team’s celebration of their victory.