BOSTON – The result – and tenor – of one game in the NBA Finals does not always carry over into the next game.
The losing team makes changes and often plays with a better focus. Now, that doesn’t translate to a victory for the team that lost the previous game.
What can the Dallas Mavericks do better against the in Game 2 of the NBA Finals with the Celtics up 1-0?
Defensively, the Mavs need to contain Boston’s 3-point shooting (not easy, that’s for sure), and offensively, the Mavs need better ball movement leading to better shots. One assist from Luka Doncic and nine team assists – that was the case in Game 1 – won’t suffice in this series. It starts with Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Here are odds and USA TODAY Sports staff predictions for Game 2:
Celtics defeat Mavericks 107-89
Boston’s stars all showed up. Kristaps Porzingis, back from a calf injury, dropped 20 points (including 18 in the first half). Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 38 points.
The Celtics got it done from long range, hitting 16 3-pointers. The Mavericks, meanwhile, shot 7 of 27 from deep.
Luka Doncic added 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead Dallas but got very little help. Kyrie Irving struggled throughout, finishing 6-for-19 shooting for 12 points.
70% of NBA Finals have been won by the team that took Game 1.
How to watch the NBA Finals
Game 1: Celtics defeat Mavericks 107-89.
Game 2: Mavericks at Celtics, Sunday, June 9 (8 p.m. ET)
Game 3: Celtics at Mavericks, Wednesday, June 12 (8:30 p.m. ET)
Game 4: Celtics at Mavericks, Friday, June 14 (8:30 p.m. ET)
Game 5: Mavericks at Celtics, Monday, June 17 (8:30 p.m. ET)
Game 6: Celtics at Mavericks, Thursday, June 20 (8:30 p.m. ET)
Game 7: Mavericks at Celtics, Sunday, June 23 (8 p.m. ET)
Who wins 2024 NBA Finals?:Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics picks, predictions, odds
