The Dallas Mavericks have been outclassed by the Boston Celtics in Game 1 and Game 2 of the ongoing 2023/24 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, heading into Game 3 needing to mount a comeback.
The next two games will be played at the American Airlines Center, and a loss for Dallas will put Boston in the driver’s seat to secure their 18th NBA championship.
Despite losing both games, Dallas has been led from the front by Luka Doncic, proving why he is widely recognized as arguably the best player in the league currently. Doncic registered 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in their 105-98 loss in Game 2. Other than him, the Mavericks were contained by an efficient Boston unit, with Kyrie Irving also being limited to less than 20 points on the night.
Luka Doncic already has more 30-point Finals games then the entire Celtics roster combined. pic.twitter.com/gvXvQ9oCkS
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 10, 2024
What has hurt Dallas has been their shooting from deep, with the Mavericks’ roster going just 5-of-32 from beyond the arc, with Irving particularly struggling, having missed each of his attempts.
The Slovenian superstar laid down the plan that his team must follow as they plot a comeback against a Boston side who are vastly superior at the minute.
“We have got to make shots. We have got to make free throws and less turnovers. Those three things I think are the key for a win. Yeah, obviously it didn't work because we lost. But at the end of the day, we have got to make some more shots. I think my turnovers and my missed free throws cost us the game. So I have got to do way better in those two categories. But at the end of the day, we have got to make shots to win the game,” Donic reiterated.
A lot has been made of home-court advantage in the NBA, especially with fans providing that extra support and encouragement from the stands. This, though, does not concern Doncic as he believes at the end of the day, they have to play better basketball to win whether at home or away.
Doncic is already playing with aches and pains in the NBA Finals after getting diagnosed with a thoracic contusion in addition to playing with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness. It will be extremely important for Dallas’ management to manage his injuries, as he remains their major point of difference on the court.
Game 3 of the Dallas, versus Boston matchup is set to happen on Thursday, June 13 (Philippine Standard Time). This awaited game is sure to bring a thrill given the display of skill and determination by both teams in the series. Fans from, around the globe will be eagerly anticipating to see which team will come out on top.
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