BOSTON – The Dallas Mavericks are now down 2-0 in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics after losing 105-98 in Game 2 on Sunday.
The Celtics continue to show why they have been called the best team in the NBA as multiple Boston players scored in the game 2 win.
Jayson Tatum scored 18 points but finished with a double-double adding 12 assists to the win over the Mavs.
Jrue Holliday finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Derrick White scored 18 points, and Jaylen Brown pitched in with 21 points.
Kristaps Porzingis came off the bench and delivered 12 points.
Boston remained near flawless from the free throw line, shooting 95 percent.
“That’s why they are the No. 1 team in the NBA with the No. 1 record,” said Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
“They have a lot of great players. Basically, anybody can get off.”
Doncic scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists — the first NBA Finals triple-double in Dallas franchise history.
While Doncic led the Mavs in scoring, Kyrie Irving finished with 16 points, Daniel Gafford with 13, Derrick Jones Jr. with 11, and P.J. Washington scored 17.
“It’s not all on him. It’s a team,” said Dallas coach Jason Kidd of Doncic.
“He put us in a position. He was really good tonight. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get over the hump. We’ve got to find someone to join Luka and (Kyrie Irving) in that scoring category.”
Doncic was questionable before Game 2 battling chest, knee, and ankle injuries.
Games 3 and 4 are Wednesday and Friday in Dallas.
Travis Tyler