Carl Coulanges, The Sports Hit List Executive Producer
Heading into Game 2, the game plan for the Dallas Mavericks was even the series and head back to Dallas with a split. Luka Magic did everything he could to make that happen, but the Mavs lost game 2 105-98.
Luka finished the game with triple double scoring 32 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing 11 assists. A valiant effort by the rest of the team as Daniel Gafford added 13 points, 17 from P.J. Washington, 11 from Derrick Jones, and 16 by Kyrie Irving.
9 points from players off the bench and 15 turnovers hurt the Mavs in this game. In addition, missing 8 free throws (16-24) from the charity stripe makes a significiant difference in The Finals. Now one can argue, the Mavs limited the Celtics to 25.6% shooting from 3. However, was it their defense or a poor shooting night for the Celtics ?
During the game, the Celtics didn’t play their best basketball yet still had a 3 point lead at halftime. Winning the 3rd qtr by 6 points, Jayson Tatum was aggressively getting his teammates involved with 12 assists. Jrue Holiday was on the receiving end of most of those passes, 26 points and chipped in 11 rebounds on 78 % from the field. A variety of options when it comes to scoring for the Celtics, Brown 21 points, Tatum 18 points, White 18 points, and Porzingis off the bench with 12.
Porzingis looked to injure his left leg in the 4th Qtr after inadvertently bumping into P.J. Washington on a driving layup. Postgame, Porzingis said ” I feel good, Feeling good. I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
Looking ahead to game 3 in Dallas, The Celtics are undefeated on the road in the 2024 playoffs ( 6-0). The Mavericks are 5-3 at home this postseason. Many believe the Mavs “others” will play better at home. Kyrie Irving needs a breakout performance for the Mavs to give them a chance.
Game 3 this Wednesday, June 10th at 8:30 pm from American Airlines Center in Dallas
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