The Boston Celtics have taken care of business at home, holding a strong 2-0 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists by Luka Doncic, the Celtics had five players in double-digit scoring led by Jrue Holiday who posted 26 points and 11 rebounds. With a stronghold in the Finals and a chance to go away to put their foot on the Mavericks’ neck, the Celtics are ready to win the series with two more wins to go. Here are the five major lessons we have learned following the Celtics’ 105-98 Game 2 victory.
- 1. The Boston Celtics Are Simply The Best Team In The World
- 2. The Dallas Mavericks Need To Completely Revamp The Roster Around Luka Doncic
- 3. Kyrie Irving Is Great But Not That Guy
- 4. Jayson Tatum Has Become An Exceptional All-Around Player Who Wants To Win
- 5. Celtics Management Have Built A Title-Contender Slowly But Surely
1. The Boston Celtics Are Simply The Best Team In The World
The Boston Celtics have proven beyond a doubt that they are the best team in the world, from the start of the regular season until the end when they had the NBA’s best record at 64-18. This dominance is spearheaded by their two superstars, Jayson Tatum (26.9 PPG and All-Star selection) and Jaylen Brown (23.0 PPG and All-Star selection), and supported by exceptional depth with players like Kristaps Porzingis (20.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG), Jrue Holiday (12.5 PPG, 4.8 APG), Derrick White (15.2 PPG, 5.2 APG), and Al Horford (8.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG). The bench also contributes significantly, with Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard playing hard and making a difference.
Their dominance is not just about star power; the Celtics are a complete team, excelling in both fast breaks and defense. They were second in the NBA in points per game (120.6) and fifth in defense (109.2), culminating in a league-best net rating of +11.6. In the playoffs, the Celtics have been nearly unstoppable, losing only two games in total and maintaining an undefeated record since the second round. Even though some might argue they benefited from opponents’ injuries, which they have, the Celtics’ consistent excellence throughout the season cannot be overstated.
They have played the best basketball all season long, a testament to their preparation, strategy, and execution. Tatum and Brown’s leadership without ego, allowing each other to share the spotlight, has been a crucial element of their success, demonstrating that teamwork truly drives this team because five players are posting at least 10 points per game in the postseason so far including Tatum (25.3 PPG), Brown (24.8 PPG), White (17.6 PPG), Porzingis (13.8 PPG), and Holiday (12.7 PPG) with Horford chipping in 9.9 PPG.
2. The Dallas Mavericks Need To Completely Revamp The Roster Around Luka Doncic
While the Dallas Mavericks have done extraordinarily well to make it to the Finals, their performance in Game 2 against the Celtics highlighted a significant need for a roster revamp around Luka Doncic. Doncic, who finished third in MVP voting by posting a league-leading 33.9 points per game along with 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game, has been phenomenal, posting near triple-double numbers throughout the playoffs as well. In the Finals so far, Doncic is posting 31.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game on 38.1% from three so he has held his own.
Kyrie Irving has also been an excellent second option, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities throughout the postseason despite his Finals struggles (14.0 PPG on 0-8 from three). However, the Mavericks’ lack of depth has been glaring, and their Finals run might be seen as fortunate given the roster’s limitations.
PJ Washington is a serviceable player but may not be sufficient as the third option for a championship-contending team after posting 15.5 points per game on only 12.5% from three in the Finals through two games. Additionally, relying on a rookie like Dereck Lively II to provide significant contributions is a gamble.
The Mavericks need a reliable upgrade at the center position, with a player like Clint Capela who can dominate the paint and provide a defensive anchor. Moreover, adding a sharpshooter of Klay Thompson’s caliber would significantly enhance their offensive versatility and veteran leadership.
Luka Doncic has carried an enormous load throughout his career, and without adequate support, the Mavericks risk burning out their superstar. The team needs to surround Doncic with players who can alleviate some of his responsibilities and contribute consistently. Revamping the roster is essential if the Mavericks hope to capitalize on Doncic’s prime years and truly become a superteam capable of handling stacked teams like the Celtics.
3. Kyrie Irving Is Great But Not That Guy
Kyrie Irving’s talent and achievements are undeniable. As a future Hall of Famer and a clutch performer, Irving’s legacy includes a game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. With career averages of 25.6 points per game in the regular season and eight All-Star selections, he is arguably the most skilled ball handler in NBA history. Despite these accolades, Irving has not established himself among the 50 greatest players ever in terms of impact and consistency and his Finals struggles might show that.
Irving is only posting 14.0 points per game in the Finals, going 0-8 from three and only chipping in 4.0 assists per game on 35.1% from the field as well. Everyone expected Doncic and Irving to be the dynamic duo we saw in the Western Conference Finals, but Irving has not answered the call. In fact, he hasn’t shown playoff prowess since leaving Cleveland with only a second-round appearance to show for it before this season. In the biggest moments since his Cleveland days, Irving has not shown up.
Irving’s career has been marked by moments of brilliance but also by inconsistency and off-court distractions. Since leaving LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving has struggled to find postseason success. His focus seems to waver between basketball and other interests, which has affected his ability to lead a team deep into the playoffs consistently. This pattern was evident in Game 2 against the Celtics, where despite his scoring prowess, the Mavericks needed more than what Irving is proving and has provided since leaving Cleveland.
4. Jayson Tatum Has Become An Exceptional All-Around Player Who Wants To Win
While much attention has been given to Jaylen Brown’s significant improvement which is well deserved, it is Jayson Tatum who has shown the most remarkable growth this season. Tatum, standing at 6’8″, has evolved into an elite rebounder, improved passer, and stout defender. His development into an all-around player has been instrumental in the Celtics’ success as he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game in the regular season. In the Finals, he might only be averaging 17.0 points per game on 31.6% from the field but is adding in 10.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game while playing elite-level defense.
Tatum’s transformation is evident in his willingness to share the spotlight and prioritize team success over individual scoring. His unselfish play and commitment to making winning plays have elevated both his game and the Celtics’ performance. He no longer focuses solely on scoring but has embraced a more holistic approach to the game including being a go-to defender, rebounder, and playmaker.
His improved passing has facilitated better ball movement, creating opportunities for his teammates and enhancing the Celtics’ offensive efficiency. His all-around excellence has been a cornerstone of the Celtics’ dominant run this season. Perhaps most importantly, Tatum’s maturity and leadership have shone through. He understands that he is part of a stacked team with plenty of star talent and has embraced the role of a leader who prioritizes winning above all else.
5. Celtics Management Have Built A Title-Contender Slowly But Surely
The Boston Celtics’ journey to becoming a title contender has been a masterclass in patient and strategic management. Despite calls to trade for established superstars like Jimmy Butler or Anthony Davis in the late 2010s, the Celtics remained committed to their long-term vision. They focused on developing their young talent, particularly Jayson Tatum, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 Draft, and Jaylen Brown, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 Draft. This patient approach paid off as both players have developed into superstars who form the core of the team.
After reaching the Finals in 2022 and falling short, the Celtics made shrewd moves to bolster their roster without sacrificing their future. Trading away Marcus Smart, who won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, and Robert Williams III were difficult decisions, but the acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have made the team nearly unbeatable at times.
Despite Porzingis’ injury history, his addition has provided a significant boost to the team’s depth and versatility. Holiday’s experience and defensive prowess have further strengthened the Celtics, making them a formidable force in the Finals. In the Finals so far, Holiday is posting 19.0 points and 9.5 rebounds and Porzingis is adding 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, and that has been the difference.
The success of the Celtics’ management also extends to their coaching staff. Joe Mazzulla has demonstrated his ability to handle egos and maintain team cohesion after taking over from Ime Udoka. His leadership has been crucial in navigating the challenges of the season and guiding the team to the Finals. Brad Stevens, now in a front-office role, deserves immense credit for his vision and execution in building this team.
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