2024 NBA Finals: Game 2 thread

From the perspective of a neutral observer expecting competitive basketball, Game 1 was a huge disappointment. Boston led 37-20 after the first quarter and the outcome was never in doubt as the Celtics won 107-89. After waiting a full week since the Conference Finals ended, we wanted to see more. With two more days off, it will be interesting to see if Dallas can bounce back in Game 2 and tie the series.

Boston has been historic efficient all season, and while I will admit the Celtics were heavily favored to make the playoffs this season, they have certainly done their job, and a win for Boston tonight would all but guarantee a nauseating 18th championship for Beantown.

If you're looking for reasons for optimism about why Boston will lose, Dallas has been in this situation before: The Mavericks were soundly defeated in Game 1 by the Clippers and Thunder in this season's playoffs, but then won the next two games of the series. I'm not sure Jason Kidd's “Jaylen Brown is Boston's best player” Jedi mind trick will work, but Dallas can certainly adjust and shoot better than they did in Game 1 on Thursday night, when they made just 7 of 27 3-point attempts.

Another complication is that Luka Doncic was assessed as questionable earlier today with a chest contusion. Video from yesterday showed him bothered by the bruise during Dallas' practice period. Even if he plays tonight, Doncic has already played with a sprained knee. With this latest injury, it's clear he's not 100%.

This week could be the final game of the 2023-24 NBA season. Let's hope Luka Doncic is healthy and the Mavericks have a counterpunch strategy ready to go so the Finals can go all the way. Let's follow in the comments.

Game Details

Who: Boston Celtics versus Dallas Mavericks
when: 8pm ET
where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
clock: A.B.C.
to follow: Follow