The 2024 NBA Finals has been pretty one sided thus far. The Boston Celtics are leading 2-0 against the Dallas Mavericks with the series heading back to Dallas for game 3.
Game 1 was a massacre, with Boston completely dominating from the opening tip. So many of their players hit big shots, and they showed why they have a well balanced attack in the starting 5. Dallas simply couldn’t keep up, as they missed a lot of open shots. It was going to be tough for the Celtics to repeat a game 1 performance such as that again.
Game 2 was all about the Mavs not being able to capitalize. Boston showed weaknesses and Dallas simply didn’t take advantage of them. Costly turnovers and missed free throws ultimately made the game for Dallas. Boston’s shooting percentage was severely low as well, something that a team must take advantage of.
Kyrie Irving has absolutely struggled in these NBA Finals, and is 0-12 his last 12 games vs Boston. If he doesn’t step up, this series will be over fairly quickly. He is missing wide open shots and taking too long to make decisions. Hopefully a change of scenery in Dallas has Irving ready to go off.
Luka Dončić has been doing Luka things, averaging 31 points this series. He has to cut down on his turnovers and missed free throws though. Also, his lack of defense has been slightly exposed in these finals. There’s certain times where he’s been hunted by Celtics players, and head coach Jason Kidd has to make major adjustments.
The other guys for Dallas have to step up as well in order for them to come back in this series. They have to knock down open shots and play their game like they’ve been doing all playoffs. It’s the NBA Finals, of course there will be nerves, but they have to be ready for the moment at all times.
Boston is showing why they were championship favorites all season, and are proving the doubters wrong. There have been plenty of teams that led 2-0 and lost the series though, if anybody can come back from that deficit, it’s Luka and Kyrie. This series is not over just yet.
Comments