Game 2 of this series has begun in Dallas. The Mavericks are quickly attacking Boston defenders’ weak spots with aggressive frontcourt play that could potentially turn the tide in their favor.
Stay tuned as we follow this live blog to discuss player statistics from this electrifying encounter!
Luka Doncic
The Mavs must avoid turning over the ball and giving Boston shooters an opening, which was an issue throughout this game.
Dallas began the game strong, trading baskets back and forth with Boston before finding their rhythm. Boston took control in the second half by unleashing threes like never before while forcing Mavericks turnovers to keep up their own offensive play.
Mavericks defensive strength often gets underestimated, yet Boston Celtics’ ability to attack from space will provide them with an immense challenge. Boston leads all playoff teams in non-corner three point frequency while also ranking second for finishing at the rim and tipping rebounds or boxing out opponents with extreme efficiency.
Jayson Tatum
Tatum averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 41 regular season games during his time with Boston. On February 25, he became the youngest Celtic to ever score 30 points in one game – surpassing Larry Bird and Kevin McHale’s previous mark set back in 1968! On March 18 in a win against Sacramento Kings he achieved this milestone once more!
Tatum has been one of the key contributors on a Boston team battling back from a 2-1 series deficit, averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists per game in these playoffs.
Kyrie scored the opening field goal of the second half with an airball in the paint for our first FG, leading us into taking a timeout with 8:44 left in regulation. Tatum then launched a three off Brown’s kick out and hit it! Now at 24 points on the night and his shots starting falling, his defense has also been strong, making it hard for Luka to get into the paint.
Jaylen Brown
Dallas came out swinging in the first half, scoring 23 points and dominating on defense. They dominated every scramble for loose balls and first to every rebound; Boston simply couldn’t match this level of intensity from Dallas.
Brown led the Celtics with 21 points but was limited to shooting 1-for-5 from three-point range, adding six rebounds, two assists, and three steals in Game 2. While not his finest effort of the series so far, his efforts helped the team secure a 105-102 win and secure Game 2 for Boston.
Brown should deliver in Game 5, giving the Celtics an advantage in the series and making him an appealing play in daily fantasy contests.
PJ Washington
PJ Washington has been an invaluable presence for the Celtics throughout this series, contributing both on defense and offense and helping keep pace with a team that appears much faster than they actually are.
After an exciting first half, Boston took charge in the third quarter. PJ Washington scored several points and grabbed two rebounds while also playing some stellar defense that kept Dallas at bay.
With the game tied 69-63, Mavericks coach Rick Mazzulla called a timeout to discuss strategy. Dallas had been missing free throw opportunities and its shooters outside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were struggling from beyond three point range, allowing Boston to capitalize with an onslaught of shots before Derrick White blocked PJ Washington to effectively put an end to any potential Mavs comeback attempt.
