2024 NBA Finals: Game 2 Thread

From the perspective of a neutral observer hoping to see competitive basketball, Game 1 was a huge flop. Boston led 37-20 after one quarter and the result was never in doubt as the Celtics went on to a 107-89 win. After waiting a full week following the end of the Conference Finals, we wanted to see more. Now, after two more off days, we’ll see if Dallas can rebound in Game 2 and make this a series.

Boston has produced historic efficiency numbers all season long. They Celtics have admittedly had an extremely favorable path placed in front of them this postseason, but they’ve certainly handled their business and we’re more than likely looking at a nauseating 18th title for Beantown with a Boston win tonight.

If you’re looking for a reason for optimism as to why Boston will be denied, Dallas has been here before. The Mavericks lost convincingly in Game 1 against both the Clippers and Thunder this postseason, then each time went on to win the next two games of the series. While I don’t think Jason Kidd’s ‘Jaylen Brown is Boston’s best player’ attempted jedi mind tricks will have any effect, Dallas certainly have adjustments they can make and should shoot better than their 7-of-27 mark from three-point range in Game 1 on Thursday night.

Another complication was Luka Doncic being downgraded to questionable earlier today due to a thoracic contusion (bruised chest in layman’s terms). Video yesterday showed it bothering him during Dallas’ practice period. Even if he plays tonight, Doncic was already playing through a knee sprain. With this latest injury, it’s clear he’s not at 100 percent.

We could be in our last week of play during the 2023-24 NBA season. Let’s hope Luka Doncic has enough in the health meter and the Mavericks have a counterpunch strategy in store so these Finals can go the distance, as we follow along here in the comments.

Who: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
When: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Watch: ABC
Follow: @LibertyBallers