The Boston Celtics, who have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, will be the first team to win the NBA FINALS against the Dallas Mavericks thanks to their formidable defensive strategies, will play Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight as visitors for the first time.
By effectively limiting the Mavericks' scoring opportunities and containing their star players, the Celtics have put Dallas in a difficult position as the series shifts to Texas.
Dallas Challenges
The next two home games for the Mavericks represent a turning point in the series, albeit with significant challenges, including the need for better performances from their key players, Kyrie Irving and Kristaps Porzingis.
Further complicating the situation, Porzingis is currently questionable due to injury, which could significantly impact the Mavericks' strategy and effectiveness on both ends of the court.
Luka Doncic has been central to the Mavericks' efforts, contributing substantially in scoring, rebounding and playmaking. Despite his commendable performances thus far, Doncic is visibly dealing with physical wear and tear, frequently using ice wraps to manage the pain.
His ability to maintain high energy levels and performance, especially in the critical stages of games against the Celtics' relentless defense, remains a significant concern for Dallas. Although Doncic has downplayed his physical problems, stating, "I feel fine," the obvious wear and tear on his body suggests a different reality.
Kyrie Irving, known for his offensive prowess, has struggled to find his shooting rhythm in this series. The Celtics have implemented specific defensive strategies to disrupt Irving, making it difficult for him to contribute effectively.
For the Mavericks to have a chance, Irving needs to overcome this slump and deliver stellar performances alongside Doncic. Irving's own acknowledgment of the Celtics' run defenses underscores the difficulty he faces in breaking out of his current slump.
Factors to Consider at Celtics
On the Celtics' side, Jayson Tatum, despite his shooting woes, has been an indispensable part of their success, contributing with his rebounding, passing and defensive efforts. The team has rallied around Tatum, emphasizing his contributions beyond scoring.
However, the question remains whether Tatum can continue to shoot poorly without eventually affecting the team's chances. Historical precedents, such as Larry Bird's early struggles in the 1981 Finals, illustrate that players can impact the game in a variety of ways.
Tatum's lingering shooting woes in the Finals could affect his role and recognition, potentially impacting his Finals MVP candidacy.
The Mavericks' three-point shooting has been remarkably poor in this series, with a success rate of just 26% (13 of 53). This inefficiency has hindered their offensive performance, as effective three-point shooting could relieve pressure on key players and create more opportunities for other offensive plays.
Luka Doncic has encouraged his teammates to stay confident and continue to take open shots, emphasizing that his success throughout the season was based on his three-point shooting ability.
Improving accuracy from beyond the arc would not only increase their scoring, but also create better opportunities for players like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford to exploit open lanes and contribute more effectively.
Back at our place.#OneForDallas #MFFL pic.twitter.com/LIzzQmYcw1
- Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 12, 2024
Possible Absence
Kristaps Porzingis' role has been significant in the first two games, particularly in terms of scoring and rim protection. His potential absence due to injury could greatly impact the Mavericks' strategy, as his ability to disrupt shots and present matchup problems on offense has been crucial.
While the Celtics have managed well without him, his contributions when healthy make the Mavericks a more formidable opponent. If Porzingis is unable to play, the onus will be on players like Gafford and Lively to step up their game in terms of rim protection and rebounding, adding pressure on the Mavericks to adjust quickly.
The Mavericks face a critical Game 3, as falling behind 3-0 in a best-of-seven series is considered nearly impossible to overcome. The urgency of the situation cannot be understated, as Dallas must take advantage of its home-court advantage and address its deficiencies to avoid a potential sweep.
Every aspect of their game, from individual performances to team strategies, needs to be optimized to counter the Celtics' strengths. The Mavericks must leverage all available resources and player contributions to mount a comeback, knowing that the fate of their season hangs in the balance.
