Boston, Massachusetts – The NBA Finals found the Dallas Mavericks trailing 2-0 against the Boston Celtics, despite a stellar performance by Luka Dončić. The Celtics took the lead with a 105-98 win in Game 2, with Jrue Holiday standing out with 26 points. While Dončić managed a 32-point triple-double, his performance wavered in the second half.

Kyrie Irving continued to struggle with his shooting, putting extra pressure on the Mavericks. Coach Jason Kidd’s mind games failed as the Celtics’ depth and balanced effort prevailed. The Celtics’ defense, led by Holiday’s perimeter prowess, shut down the Mavericks’ offense by isolating Dončić and Irving.

Dončić voiced his disappointment in his turnovers and free throw shooting impacting the game’s outcome. Despite battling injuries, he remained determined to contribute to his team’s success. Irving acknowledged his shortcomings and emphasized the need for improvement from the entire team.

The Celtics showcased their team-oriented approach, with players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown delivering crucial plays down the stretch. Holiday’s veteran leadership and scoring proficiency were instrumental in securing the win for Boston. Although Kristaps Porziņģis suffered a minor injury scare, the Celtics remained optimistic about his availability for the next game.

Heading into Game 3, the Mavericks need more support for Dončić and Irving to contend with the Celtics’ depth and defensive strategy. The Celtics’ commitment to team basketball and defensive intensity have proven effective in neutralizing the Mavericks’ stars. Game 3 presents an opportunity for Dallas to regroup and make adjustments to mount a comeback in the series.