The Dallas Mavericks missed a golden opportunity to tie the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, resulting in a daunting challenge ahead.
The Dallas Mavericks, led by guard Luka Doncic, missed a crucial chance to tie the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, returning home with a 2-0 deficit. The Mavericks had multiple opportunities to seize control but ultimately fell short, losing 105-98 in Game 2."At the end of the day, they are better than all the teams we've played,"
said Dallas' PJ Washington. "It's the finals, and we've just got to be better... Their record says that they have been the best team all year. They have two superstars, they have a lot of great role players and they play team ball. So, we've just got to be better."
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Dallas missed eight free throws, allowed 21 points off turnovers, and failed to capitalize on Boston's poor 3-point shooting (10 for 39). Despite Luka Doncic's triple-double performance (32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists), the Mavericks couldn't overcome their own mistakes. Doncic, who battled through ankle, rib, and knee issues, acknowledged his shortcomings, stating,
"I think my turnovers and my missed free throws cost us the game. So, I've got to do way better in those two categories. But at the end of the day, we've got to make shots to win the game."
The Celtics' defense played a significant role, with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown making key stops. White's chasedown block on Washington in the final minute and Payton Pritchard's buzzer-beating 34-foot three-pointer at the end of the third quarter were pivotal moments that sealed Dallas' fate.
Jrue Holiday, who led Boston with 26 points, emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating,
"The journey to this point has been great, but we still know being up 2-0 means nothing. Job's not done. We have to do whatever it takes."
The Mavericks must now win four of the next five games against a Celtics team that has been dominant all season, boasting a 78-20 overall record and a 14-2 playoff record. Historically, teams have come back from 2-0 deficits in the Finals, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Miami Heat against Dallas in 2006. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic, stating,
"We're positive. This is a group that believes. We didn't get an opportunity to get a split or win two here on the road. Now Boston held serve. Now we've got to go home and hold serve."
Dallas faces a challenging path ahead, needing to maintain composure and capitalize on home-court advantage to keep their championship hopes alive.
Can the Mavericks Overcome the Celtics' Dominance?
Credit: Yahoo
| POLL | ||
June 10 | 1 answers Mavs Miss Crucial Opportunity in Game 2, Face Tougher Road Ahead Can the Mavericks Turn the Series Around? | ||
| Yes, they have the talent to win. | 0 | 0 % |
| No, the Celtics are too strong. | 0 | 0 % |
| It will go to Game 7. | 0 | 0 % |
| Unlikely, but possible. | 0 | 0 % |
| LIST OF POLL | ||
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