Celtics vs. Mavericks: Who Will Prevail in Game 2 of the NBA Finals?

The stage is set for Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals as the Boston Celtics prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, June 9. The Celtics, who secured a commanding 107-89 victory in Game 1, are looking to extend their series lead at TD Garden.

Game 1 Recap: Celtics Dominate

In the series opener, the Celtics showcased their dominance both offensively and defensively. Jaylen Brown led the charge with 22 points and six rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis made a triumphant return from injury, contributing 20 points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes. Boston's defense was particularly impressive, limiting Dallas to just 89 points and forcing key turnovers.

Luka Doncic, the Mavericks' star, managed to score 30 points and grab 10 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Boston's balanced attack. Doncic struggled with efficiency, needing 26 field goal attempts to reach his point total and recording only one assist, a testament to Boston's defensive strategy of cutting off his passing lanes.Kyrie Irving, Doncic's backcourt partner, also had a tough night, scoring just 12 points on 6-of-19 shooting. The Mavericks will need more from Irving if they hope to even the series in Game 2.

Key Factors for Game 2

Celtics' Home Court Advantage

The Celtics have been formidable at home throughout the season and playoffs. With a regular-season home record of 43-6 and a 6-2 record in the playoffs, Boston's TD Garden has been a fortress. The Celtics' ability to feed off the energy of their home crowd could play a crucial role in maintaining their momentum.

Mavericks' Road Resilience

Despite the Game 1 loss, the Mavericks have shown resilience on the road. They posted a 32-18 record away from home during the regular season and have a 7-2 record in the playoffs. Dallas will need to tap into this road warrior mentality to bounce back in Game 2.

Defensive Adjustments

Boston's defense was a key factor in their Game 1 victory. The Celtics managed to limit Doncic's playmaking and forced the Mavericks into difficult shots. For Game 2, Dallas will need to make adjustments to free up Doncic and Irving, allowing them to create more scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.

Three-Point Shooting

Both teams rely heavily on three-point shooting. In Game 1, the Celtics shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc, which helped them maintain their lead even when the Mavericks made runs. Dallas, on the other hand, struggled from three-point range, hitting just 7 of 27 attempts. Improving their perimeter shooting will be crucial for the Mavericks in Game 2.

Predictions and Betting Insights

The Celtics are favored to win Game 2, with a spread of -7 points. The over/under for the game is set at 214.5 points. Given both teams' offensive capabilities, many experts are predicting a high-scoring affair. The Celtics have consistently hit the over in recent games, and the Mavericks have also shown the ability to score in bunches.

Expert Picks

• Against the Spread (ATS) Pick: Celtics (-7)
• Over/Under Pick: Over (214.5)
• Score Prediction: Celtics 120, Mavericks 108

Game 2 of the NBA Finals promises to be an exciting matchup as the Celtics look to take a 2-0 series lead and the Mavericks aim to bounce back and even the series. With star players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving on the court, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high-level basketball.Tune in on Sunday, June 9, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC to catch all the action live from TD Garden.