The Boston Celtics continued their dominant playoff run with a wire-to-wire win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals. With a final score of 105-98, Boston now leads the series 2-0, heading into Game 3 in Dallas. While the scoreboard suggests a relatively close contest, the Celtics maintained control from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
This Finals matchup features two teams with very different identities — the Celtics built on balanced two-way play and experience, and the Mavericks leaning heavily on the offensive brilliance of Luka Dončić. Through two games, Boston has taken full advantage of their depth, execution, and defensive game plan.
Game / News Breakdown
Game 2 at TD Garden reflected just how methodical the Celtics can be in managing a lead. After taking early control with a 28-18 first-quarter advantage, Boston never trailed. Even with Dallas cutting the lead to five late in the fourth quarter, the Celtics responded with clutch shot-making and solid defense.
Boston’s defensive scheme focused on loading up against Luka Dončić while neutralizing the Mavericks’ supporting cast. That strategy worked: Dallas committed 15 turnovers, and outside of Dončić, the other starters combined for only 36 points. Meanwhile, the Celtics kept the ball moving offensively, not overly reliant on just one star.
Key numbers from Game 2:
– Celtics shot 46% from the field
– Mavericks went just 6-for-26 (23%) from beyond the arc
– Points off turnovers: Celtics 21, Mavericks 8
– Total assists: Celtics 23, Mavericks 16
Boston’s physicality, pace control, and composure made it hard for Dallas to build momentum, especially in the halfcourt. Even when the game tightened late, the Celtics’ role players hit timely shots to hold ground.
Key Players & Performances
This wasn’t just a two-man show by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — Boston got production across the rotation. While Dončić once again filled the box score for Dallas, the lack of help on his side told the story.
**Boston Celtics:**
– Jaylen Brown: 21 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds. He was aggressive early and helped lead the offense with pace.
– Jrue Holiday: 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting. His scoring efficiency and calm under pressure were crucial.
– Derrick White: 18 points, including two enormous three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
– Jayson Tatum: Struggled with his shot (6-of-22), but contributed 12 assists and 9 rebounds.
Holiday’s breakout performance in Game 2 highlighted Boston’s versatility. Whether guarding the opposing star or sliding into a scoring role, he did it all on both ends.
**Dallas Mavericks:**
– Luka Dončić: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists — his third career Finals triple-double.
– Kyrie Irving: 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting. His shooting woes continued, and he’s now 0-for-8 from three in the series.
– P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. combined for just 13 points.
Dončić was phenomenal again, but he carried too much of the burden. Irving hasn’t found his rhythm against Boston’s perimeter defense, and Dallas has struggled to get clean looks outside of Luka’s shot creation.
Team Impact & Standings
With this win, the Celtics move just two wins away from their 18th NBA championship, which would break the tie with the Lakers for most titles in league history. They’re undefeated at home this postseason and have now won eight straight playoff games.
On the flip side, Dallas is trying to stay afloat. Falling behind 0-2 in a Finals series isn’t rare, but it’s a tough hill to climb. Only five teams have ever come back from that deficit in NBA Finals history — the Mavericks themselves were one of them in 2006.
**Series Impact:**
– Boston leads 2-0
– Next two games are in Dallas
– Home-court advantage remains a key factor
Boston’s ability to win without Tatum shooting efficiently shows how dangerous they can be when everyone is locked in. Dallas, meanwhile, must find more help for Dončić — and fast.
What’s Next
Game 3 shifts to American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday night. The Mavericks will need a much stronger start and a better shooting night from role players to get back in the series.
For Dallas:
– Kyrie Irving needs a bounce-back game
– More paint touches for role players could offset Boston’s perimeter pressure
– Reducing turnover totals is key
For Boston:
– Tatum is due for a breakout scoring performance
– Continue mixing defensive looks on Dončić and Irving
– Keep the physical edge inside
Each Finals game takes on greater weight as the series progresses. For Boston, they’ll aim to put Dallas in a 3-0 hole. For the Mavs, Game 3 is essentially a must-win.
Conclusion
The 2024 NBA Finals are showing just how deep and disciplined these Celtics are. Boston’s Game 2 win puts them firmly in the driver’s seat, while Dallas faces some serious adjustments to stay alive in the series. With Game 3 on the horizon, the pressure is on — and the spotlight will only grow brighter.