Mavericks Fall in First Title Rematch vs. Celtics
While the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics are not historical rivals, their five-game 2024 NBA Finals series makes them one of the more exciting matchups the league can offer, which is why they were given the marquee early-evening game on ABC as a part of NBA Rivalry Week.
The Mavs missed Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell, and fell to the healthy Celtics, who have been slumping recently, 122-107.
Without Doncic, Dallas was once again led by Kyrie Irving, who finished with 22 points. Quentin Grimes added an efficient 20 points of his own off the bench, but it was no match for Boston’s well-rounded offensive attack.
Jayson Tatum scored 24 points, Jaylen Brown added 22, Derrick White poured in 23, Jrue Holiday offered 17, and Kristaps Porzingis posted 18. As a team, the Celtics shot a solid 38.5 percent from 3-point range while containing Dallas’ best shooter, Klay Thompson.
Thompson, who entered the game with an ankle injury, scored only six points in 26 minutes. He shot 2-3 from distance and was sluggish all game. As he continues to get healthy, his return to health and Doncic’s return to the lineup will make or break Dallas’ season.
