Game 2, held June 9, 2024 at the Boston GardenBy Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9, 2024, between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, another night of intense basketball had given fans another three point show. The Celtics were intent on defending home court and the Mavericks seeking to level up the series, leading fans to a tightly contested affair that featured plenty of high energy plays, big-time baskets and individual brilliance. Boston won, 105–98, to take a 2–0 series lead.
This is a deep-dive on the stats of the players in the Dallas Mavericks game against Boston Celtics also a comparison and history of their games.
Game Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Date | June 9, 2024 |
| Match | Dallas Mavericks Boston Celtics |
| Venue | TD Garden, Boston |
| Final Score | Celtics 105 – Mavericks 98 |
| Series Status | Celtics lead 2–0 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Balanced Start
Both teams came out very aggressive, exchanging baskets while searching for rhythm. Dallas relied heavily on Luka Dončić for offense, while Boston space the floor and shared the ball. The game remained close at the end of the first quarter.
2nd Quarter: Celtics Take Small Edge
Boston slowly took control with better shooting and solid rebounding. Hawks 116, Mavericks 111 After remaining competitive behind Dončić, the Mavs grew cold as everyone notched a bucket. Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown helped out on offense as Dallas couldn’t match them basket for basket. Boston led by only a slim margin at halftime of that game; Dallas was never out of reach.
Third Quarter: Momentum Shifts
The hardest stretch of the game came in the third quarter. Dallas tried to ride Dončić’s playmaking, but Boston had an answer each time. The play of the quarter occurred at the buzzer when Payton Pritchard spotted up from deep and splashed in a three, which sent TD Garden into a frenzy and shifted momentum in favor of the Celtics.
4th Quarter: Celtics Seal it Up
If you can only muster 67 points in an elimination game, the playoffs are a wrap.
Dallas attempted to make a final 12-minute push, but Boston’s defense and execution in the clutch were just too much. (It helped that the Bucks found a way to close in on Tatum that also usually opened things up for Holiday.) Then, as they have done all series, Tatum and Jrue Holiday took over late. Dallas was forced into difficult shots, and the Mavericks’ supporting cast wasn’t enough of a crutch for Dončić.
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Leaders
Scoring Leaders
- Luka Dončić (Mavericks): 32 points, demonstrating he can attack the rim and create from deep.
- Jrue Holiday (Celtics): 26 points, owning Boston’s offensive engine in this game.
Rebounding Leaders
- Luka Dončić (Mavericks): 11 rebounds, scrapping everywhere he could.
- Jrue Holiday (Celtics): 11 rebounds, crashing the boards.
Assist Leaders
- Luka Dončić (Mavericks):11 assists Luka finishes off a fabulous triple-double.
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): 12 assists, directing the Celtics offense.
Read More: Timberwolves vs Lakers Match Player Stats || Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats
Dallas Mavericks Player Performances
Luka Dončić – Triple-Double Brilliance
Dončić then put the Mavericks on his back once more, totaling 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. He was the first player in franchise history to post a triple-double in the NBA Finals. But the Mavericks couldn’t capitalize because no teammate consistently helped Doncic out, despite his effort.
Kyrie Irving (Seeking the Right Tempo)
Irving had difficulty scoring for much of the game. Although he had his brilliant moments, Boston’s defense kept him from completely taking over, leaving Dallas too dependant on Dončić.
Supporting Cast – Inconsistent Contributions
The Mavericks’ bench and role players struggled to produce when it mattered the most. There were some bursts of good defense and hustle, but Dallas didn’t get enough consistent scoring in the big moments to give itself a chance.
Boston Celtics Player Performances
Jrue Holiday – Player of the Night
Holiday was Boston’s most effective player, with 26 points and 11 rebounds. He drew fouls driving into the lane, making midrange jumpers and playing with tenacious defense. His burst in attacking really carried Boston here.
Jayson Tatum – Playmaker Mode
Tatum wasn’t the leading scorer but 12 assists is Tatum showing how he can help affect and effect a game without having to hoist up shots. He made good reads on defense, found open teammates and kept Boston’s offense flowing.
Jaylen Brown – Two-Way Force
Brown had 21 points and made critical defensive plays. His energy, hustle and accepting of challenging assignments helped Boston keep control.
Payton Pritchard – Momentum Shifter
Pritchard’s half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third?” Iijima wrote. His overall scoring line was modest but that desperation three lifted the crowd and deflated Dallas heading into the fourth.
Team Comparison
| Category | Mavericks | Celtics |
| Points | 98 | 105 |
| Field Goal % | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| 3-Point Shooting | Streaky | More efficient |
| Free Throw Shooting | Missed key opportunities | Solid at the line |
| Total Rebounds | Competitive | Strong edge in clutch |
| Assists | Dončić-heavy | Balanced team distribution |
| Turnovers | Crucial in 4th quarter | Limited mistakes |
Turning Points of the Game
- Dončić’s Triple-Double Not Enough – Despite Luka’s historic performance, Boston’s collective effort overshadowed his brilliance.
- Pritchard’s Buzzer-Beater – A momentum swing that energized the Celtics and set the tone for the final quarter.
- Boston’s Defense in the Fourth – Timely stops and forced tough shots limited Dallas’ late push.
- Holiday’s Two-Way Impact – His rebounding, defense, and scoring gave Boston an extra dimension Dallas couldn’t contain.
- Bench Contributions – Boston’s role players made enough plays, while Dallas’ bench lacked consistency.
What This Means for the Series
Its 105–98 loss to the Celtics put them down, 0–2, in the Finals and plotted a difficult path for Dallas. The win for Boston was a reaffirmation of its ability to emerge victorious even when the stars did not control the scoring. It’s the balanced approach, defensive commitment and clutch execution that make them appear as a legitimate championship contender.
For Dallas, the defeat underscored the fact that Dončić needs help. For the Mavericks to have any chance of making it a series, Irving and company will need to do the same. If not, the burden on Luka is not enough against a deep and disciplined roster in Boston.
Key Takeaways
- Luka Dončić had a historic triple-double (32/11/11), but Dallas came up just short.
- Jrue Holiday was Boston’s hero, grabbing 26 points and 11 rebounds.
- The Celtics’ ball movement (12 assists by Jayson Tatum) fed their offensive rhythm.
- And Jaylen Brown scored 21 points and played strong defense.
- A buzzer-beating three by the freshman Payton Pritchard was a momentum-turner.
- Boston’s balance outstripped Dallas’ star power.
Conclusion
The player stats in the Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics game were indicative of a hard-fought Finals series game that got away and with it reflected the fact that Boston are a team of cool customers. Dončić was spectacular for his triple-double, but the Celtics responded with Holiday providing punch on offense, Tatum as a playmaker and contributions up and down their lineup. The final score, 105-98, was not just a reflection of talent but execution and depth and the control of momentum.
Boston now leads 2-0 in the series, with Dallas heading home under unyielding pressure. Luka alone is not going to save the Mavericks, if they are going to be saved. They’ll need more than Luka: That anyone else even attempted a shot on Thursday night was itself an achievement.
FAQs
Q1: Who was the top scorer in the Mavericks vs Celtics game?
Ans: Luka Dončić led all scorers with 32 points.
Q2: Did Luka Dončić record a triple-double?
Ans: Yes, Dončić finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Q3: Who led the Celtics in scoring?
Ans: Jrue Holiday was Boston’s top scorer with 26 points.
Q4: What was the turning point of the game?
Ans: Payton Pritchard’s buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter shifted momentum.
Q5: What is the series status after this game?
Ans: The Celtics lead the Finals 2–0.
