Jrue Holiday stars on offense, Derrick White on defense as Celtics take 2-0 NBA Finals lead vs. Mavs

Boston holds serve to open the 2024 NBA Finals.

 

The Celtics take a 2-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks, using a strong second half to win Game 2, 105-98, Monday (PHL) at the TD Garden in Boston.

 

Taking control in the third quarter, Boston led by as many as 14 points before weathering a final push by the Mavericks late in the fourth.

 

Luka Doncic completed an and-one play to make it a five-point game with 1:15 left. The Mavericks had the chance to cut the deficit further, but Derrick White saved two points, as the Celtics got a stop on a PJ Washington dunk attempt inside the final minute.

 

DERRICK WHITE 🚫 pic.twitter.com/K40AaqRCTk

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 10, 2024

 

 

Jaylen Brown then hit a driving layup for the game’s final score with 30 seconds remaining to seal the deal.

 

Five players scored in double figures for Boston in another balanced effort, led by the sensational Jrue Holiday with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

 

Brown added 21 points, and Jayson Tatum overcame a tough 6/22 shooting game by dishing out 12 assists and grabbing nine rebounds, all while still scoring 18 points.

 

Plays like this are what makes Jrue great 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/p2kwR7pQRB

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 10, 2024

 

 

Derrick White also had 18 points, to go along with five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks.

 

Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. But he committed eight turnovers. Still, Luka’s work in the first half had Dallas in an early lead.

 

Luka is his name, gettin' buckets is his game 🪄 pic.twitter.com/VvBakFNNFh

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 10, 2024

 

 

Washington and Kyrie Irving had 17 and 16 points respectively for the Mavs, who now head back to Dallas for a much-needed home game.