Boston Celtics Shine in Team Effort to Secure 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In a thrilling display of teamwork and tenacity, the Boston Celtics once again showcased why they are the top team in the NBA. Jrue Holiday led the charge with a commanding 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Derrick White added a crucial chase-down block, leaving no room for doubt about Boston’s depth and determination. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, though struggling from beyond the arc, contributed significantly with their passing and defense, proving that the Celtics’ quest for an 18th NBA championship is a collective effort.
Sunday night saw Boston outlast the Dallas Mavericks 105-98, securing a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Tatum, despite an off shooting night, compensated with 12 assists and nine rebounds, alongside his 18 points. Brown, with 21 points and three steals, and White, with 18 points and three steals, complemented the team’s efforts. Payton Pritchard’s dramatic half-court buzzer-beater to end the third quarter gave Boston a crucial 83-74 lead.
Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who had an impressive 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists—the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas history—acknowledged Boston’s depth. “They have a lot of great players. Basically, anybody can get off,” said Doncic. Despite his stellar performance, including a late-game three-point play, the Mavericks fell short in the final moments. Games 3 and 4 now shift to Dallas, where Boston has yet to lose on the road this postseason.
Dunk on the sportsbooks tonight! Grab SportsGrid’s free NBA picks, NBA props, and NBA SGPs.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the team’s unity and resilience, dismissing attempts to create division. “I’m really tired of hearing about one guy or this guy or that guy and everybody trying to make it out to be anything other than Celtic basketball,” Mazzulla stated. “Everybody that stepped on that court today made winning plays on both ends of the floor.”
The Celtics’ shooting woes from beyond the arc were evident, going 10 for 39, but they compensated with gritty defense and timely plays. Tatum and Brown, despite combining for just 2 of 12 from three-point range, filled the box score in other vital ways. Holiday praised their synergy, stating, “How they play together is sacred, and something that can’t be broken. I don’t prefer one or the other, I prefer both. Because they’re both superstars, and they’re showing it on the biggest stage in the world.”
Kristaps Porzingis added 12 points for Boston, playing through evident discomfort. The game was a testament to Boston’s collective effort, with each player stepping up to contribute to their goal of clinching another championship. The Celtics now head to Dallas, confident and poised, ready to extend their unbeaten road streak this postseason.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
