Boston Celtics' guard Jrue Holiday shoots against Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden [David Butler II/USA Today Sports via Reuters]
As the NBA Finals heat up, the Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics’ latest victory came with a hard-fought 105-98 win in Game 2, showing their determination and depth. Despite neither team shooting particularly well, it was the Celtics’ defense that ultimately made the difference, fending off a late surge by the Mavericks.
Team Effort Drives Celtics’ Success
The Celtics’ win against the Mavericks in the NBA Finals which now gives them a lead of 2-0 was not just a display of their defensive skills but also a result of their collective effort. Jrue Holiday led the scoring with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum compensated for his off shooting night with 12 assists and nine rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 21 points and three steals, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Porzingis’ Injury Concern
However, the game wasn’t without its concerns for the Celtics. Kristaps Porzingis, who has been a valuable player for the team, left Game 2 with an injury scare. Porzingis appeared to tweak his leg after a collision but remained in the game for a few minutes before leaving the court. This incident raised alarms, especially since Porzingis had just returned from a six-week absence due to a right calf strain.
Optimistic Injury Update from Porzingis
In a post-game update, Porzingis provided a promising outlook, stating, “I feel good. Feeling good. I don’t think it’s anything serious,” and reassured fans and teammates that he would be ready to go for Game 3. His determination was clear as he declared, “I will die out there,” emphasizing his commitment to the team and the importance of the NBA Finals.
Celtics Eye Historic Championship
The Celtics are now two wins away from clinching their 18th NBA championship, a feat that would further cement their legacy in basketball history. As the series moves to Dallas for Games 3 and 4, the Mavericks will have to regroup and find a way to counter the Celtics’ momentum. Luka Doncic, who scored the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas franchise history, will be a key player for the Mavericks as they look to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
A Team-First Mentality
The Celtics’ journey to the championship is not just about their star players but also about the strength of their team as a whole. As coach Joe Mazzulla put it, “Everybody that stepped on that court today made winning plays on both ends of the floor.” This team-first mentality will be crucial as they aim to secure two more victories and raise the championship banner once again.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
With Porzingis’ injury update providing a sigh of relief for the Celtics, the focus now shifts to Game 3. The Mavericks, facing a significant deficit, will need to harness the energy of their home crowd and deliver a performance worthy of a Finals comeback. Moreover, the stage is set for an exhilarating continuation of the NBA Finals, where every play, every decision, and every moment counts.
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