In Game 1 against Boston, the Mavericks attempted only three corner three-pointers, a stark contrast to their usual performance. One of those shots came from Luka Dončić, who typically orchestrates plays rather than taking corner shots.
The Mavericks also lacked their characteristic lob-pass plays in Thursday’s game, leading to a 107-89 loss. While their defense tightened after allowing a 37-point first quarter, holding Boston to 70 points over the next three quarters, their offensive struggles were evident. They failed to score more than 24 points in any quarter, hampered by the absence of their usual offensive weapons.
To address the shortage of corner three-point attempts, P.J. Washington emphasized the need to penetrate the paint and collapse the defense. Alongside Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green, Washington is a key player for these corner shots. He suggested that better transition play and aggression in the paint would naturally create these opportunities. Despite acknowledging that not all attempts will be successful, he stressed the importance of taking open shots when they appear.
The responsibility falls on Dončić and Kyrie Irving to drive into the paint and attract the defense. However, the Celtics’ defensive strategy effectively neutralized this approach, leading to just five assists through the first three quarters and a total of nine for the game. Without effective lob passes or corner threes, the Mavericks’ offense became stagnant.
Coach Jason Kidd noted the team’s excessive reliance on one-on-one plays and the lack of ball movement. He emphasized the need for multiple players to handle the ball and more dynamic movement. Kidd also pointed out that the Mavericks must capitalize on the opportunities the Celtics’ defense provides, particularly when they offer Dončić layups. He acknowledged that missed layups and paint shots are part of the game, but expressed confidence in Dončić and Irving’s ability to convert these chances in Game 2.
Kidd likened the Celtics’ defense to what the Mavericks faced against Minnesota in the Western Conference finals, suggesting that the Mavericks need to impose their will rather than allowing the Celtics to dictate the game. Despite the Game 1 loss, Kidd maintained that there was no panic within the team. He referenced their history of bouncing back after losing the first game, drawing parallels to their series against the Clippers where they overcame a poor start.
Dereck Lively II echoed Kidd’s sentiment, emphasizing a sense of urgency rather than panic to get the job done. The Mavericks are focused on responding effectively in Game 2.
Several factors will be crucial in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Notably, Boston has previously lost Game 2 at home twice in these playoffs, to Miami and Cleveland. The Celtics rebounded from those losses to win both series in five games before sweeping Indiana in the conference finals. Kidd’s comments about Jaylen Brown, who scored 22 points in Game 1 and played a significant defensive role against Dončić, added another layer of intrigue. Kidd praised Brown as Boston’s best player, highlighting his two-way performance and suggesting that the Mavericks need to be more physical with him. This statement touches on the ongoing debate in Boston about whether Brown or Jayson Tatum is the team’s leading star.
The 72-hour break between Games 1 and 2 provided ample rest for players, though some, like Washington, felt it was too much time. He expressed eagerness to get back on the court, indicating that the team is ready to play without the jitters that may have affected their Game 1 performance. Washington noted that the nerves have subsided and the team is fully prepared for the next game.
The Mavericks are likely to adjust their strategy, possibly by focusing more on Kristaps Porzingis, who had a strong first half in Game 1. Additionally, the opening game of the Finals drew significant viewership, with 11 million viewers, slightly down from the previous season but with a higher share of the overall audience. A more competitive Game 2 is expected to boost ratings further.
The Celtics are favored by 7½ points for Game 2, with an over/under set at 214.5 points. Overcoming first-game nerves and jitters will be key for the Mavericks. Washington shared his own experience of sleeplessness due to excitement before Game 1 and expressed confidence that the team is now settled and ready for the biggest stage.
Ultimately, the Mavericks must adapt their offensive strategies and ensure better ball movement and dynamic play to challenge the Celtics effectively in Game 2. Their ability to respond under pressure, as they have shown throughout the playoffs, will be critical in evening the series.
