Celtics Hold Off Mavericks to Take 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals

Boston, June 9, 2024 — The Boston Celtics, buoyed by Jrue Holiday’s 26 points, fended off a late surge by the Dallas Mavericks to secure a 105-98 victory, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals on Sunday night. Despite an early struggle from beyond the arc, Boston’s comprehensive effort on both offense and defense ensured their second consecutive home win in the series.

Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points while Jayson Tatum filled the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. Holiday praised Tatum’s role in orchestrating the offense amidst Dallas’s defensive pressure.

“I would say a lot of it was JT,” Holiday remarked. “They were double-teaming him, and he was making the right play. The way that he played tonight, the way that he led us, getting into the paint, making plays, finding me wide open — it was all about him.”

Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic, battling multiple injuries including a chest contusion, right knee sprain, and a sore left ankle, posted a remarkable triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Despite his efforts, Dallas couldn’t muster enough support to overturn the Celtics’ dominance.

P.J. Washington added 17 points, and Kyrie Irving, an eight-time All-Star, managed 16 points but struggled with his shooting, hitting just 7 of 18 from the field and missing all three of his attempts from three-point range.

Facing a 14-point deficit with under four minutes to play, the Mavericks mounted a desperate rally. Doncic’s drive and converted free throw with 1:15 remaining cut Boston’s lead to five points. However, the Celtics’ defense stood firm. Derrick White delivered a crucial block on Washington, preventing a potential three-point game, and Brown’s layup sealed the victory.

Boston’s resilience and strategic playmaking were evident as they weathered the Mavericks’ final push, demonstrating the depth and determination that have characterized their playoff run. The series now shifts to Dallas, where the Mavericks will hope to leverage home-court advantage to bounce back.

With the Celtics just two wins away from their 18th NBA championship, head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We know they’re a great team, and Luka is a phenomenal player,” Mazzulla said. “We have to keep our foot on the gas and continue to execute our game plan.”

Game 3 will be pivotal as the Mavericks seek to revive their championship aspirations against a Celtics team firing on all cylinders.