After blowing out the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals on Thursday night. In addition, the Celtics have a one-game-to-nothing lead over Dallas. Also, Boston is now three games away from winning their first championship since 2008. Additionally, if they want to continue their momentum tonight. They will need to continue to use their talent advantage to overwhelm the Mavericks. Boston cannot give them any hope in game two if they want to take the commanding two games-to-nothing lead over Dallas. With the series shifting back to Dallas in a few days.
Boston Celtics Keys To A Game Two Victory Over The Dallas Mavericks.
Key One: Kristaps Porzingis Must Dominate His Matchup.
The Celtics already have a significant edge in the talent department over Dallas. However, when you add in a returning Kristaps Porzingis to the mix. As everyone found out in game one it is a recipe for disaster for their opponents. As a result, his return Boston was able to overwhelm Dallas. They had no one available on their roster who could stop him.
In addition, to dominating his matchup. Porzingis was able to force the Mavericks big men to the perimeter. A place they do not want to be and besides getting them in foul trouble. Their absence from the paint allowed Boston to attack the paint and get offensive rebounds. As a result, Dallas looked like the inferior team, and the Celtics now look like an unstoppable juggernaut.
That is the effect Porzingis had on just one game after missing the last two playoff series the Celtics were in. If Dallas wants to win tonight’s contest, they will have to limit Porzingis’ effectiveness. Additionally, they will need to start double-teaming him. To get the ball out of his hands. If they let him impose his will tonight, then Boston will head to Dallas with the commanding two-games-to-nothing lead.
Key Two: Boston Must Continue To Contain Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The biggest question heading into the 2024 NBA Finals was which team’s backcourt would be able to dominate this series. After game one Boston’s defensively minded backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Did just enough to limit the effectiveness of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. They forced Doncic and Irving to work for every point. As a result, Doncic and Irving took difficult shots, and they were out of rhythm thorough the majority of this contest.
However, Doncic was able to have a dominant third quarter which gave Dallas some hope. But he did not get any help from his teammates and that allowed Boston to get the victory. Also, Boston will need to make sure they continue to play disciplined defense. Especially, against a Dallas squad that will adjust to what they are doing. If they want to win tonight, they will need to continue to limit Doncic and Irving.
Key Three: Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Have To Be The Best Duo On The Court Tonight.
What determines who wins this game tonight will be the effectiveness of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If they are not able to find their offensive rhythm early in the contest. It will be a long night for the Celtics because so much of their offensive scheme runs through them. Tatum and Brown were able to attack the paint and create high-percentage shooting opportunities for their teammates. Which they cashed in on and Dallas had no answers for it.
In addition, Dallas will have to devote more attention to both players. Or continue to let them impose their wills. If they can contain both Brown and Tatum and limit them to a combined 30-50 points of Boston’s final point total. Then the Mavericks have a really good chance at evening this series tonight. However, if both of them are hitting their shots and playing aggressively. The Mavericks will lose tonight and will need to do some soul-searching. As the series shifts back to Dallas in a few days.
