{"id":80959,"date":"2024-06-10T12:08:42","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T16:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=80959"},"modified":"2024-06-10T12:23:55","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T16:23:55","slug":"nba-finals-five-biggest-takeaways-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/10\/nba-finals-five-biggest-takeaways-so-far\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Finals: 5 Biggest Takeaways So Far"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last night the Celtics went up 2-0<\/a> in the NBA Finals with a 105-98 victory. With two massive wins early in the series the Celtics seem poised to win the title. They have been elite on both of the floor holding the Mavericks to under 100 points in both games while having a well-rounded offensive attack. Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways two games into the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

NBA Finals: 5 Biggest Takeaways So Far<\/h2>\n

The Celtics’ Balance Is Their Biggest Advantage<\/h3>\n

Balance has been key to their success and identity all season long. The combination of their elite offensive options and versatile defensive attack gives Boston incredible balance. This has particularly played to the Celtics’ advantage on the offensive end of the floor by having six capable creators and elite spacing. In Game 1 the Celtics broke the record for the most players (seven)<\/a> to hit multiple threes in a finals game. The Celtics can overcome their stars having an off-night while the Mavericks need Luka Doncic<\/a> to do everything just to have a chance in the game. Similarly last night the Celtics overcame an awful shooting night where they shot just 25 percent from three.<\/p>\n

Jayson Tatum<\/a> has struggled so far averaging<\/a> 17 points, 10 rebounds, 8.5 assists on .315\/.285.750 shooting splits. Tatum\u2019s shooting efficiency should be cause for concern however, he\u2019s finding ways to make a positive impact as a playmaker, rebounder, and defender. Furthermore, the Celtics’ success with Tatum\u2019s struggles highlights this team’s strength is their overall balance rather than any individual star. Jaylen Brown<\/a> stepped up and scored 22 points in Game 1 while Jrue Holiday<\/a> led the way with 26 in Game 2. Tatum spoke about his approach and unselfish play after the game.<\/p>\n

\n

Jayson Tatum reflects on primarily being a playmaker during these Finals:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so close to to what we\u2019re trying to accomplish \u2014 why would I let my ego or need to score a lot of points get in the way of that?\u201d pic.twitter.com\/8Al9zCKTXz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Noa Dalzell \ud83c\udfc0 (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 10, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n