NBA Finals 2024: Hot Takes and Top Storylines Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 2

The Boston Celtics controlled Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Kristaps Porzingis’ return was the primary factor in creating separation from the Dallas Mavericks. That is something Boston should rely on even more in Sunday’s Game 2.

Porzingis did anything he wanted against the Dallas defense, and on the offensive end, the Mavs had no response for Boston’s depth scoring behind Luka Doncic.

Doncic will probably turn in another 30-point performance on Sunday, but that will not be enough for the Mavs to leave Boston with a series split.

The Mavs need much more out of their supporting cast to go back home with a number in the win column.

However, you could make the argument that Boston’s offense has another level to reach, especially if Jayson Tatum takes over the role of primary scorer.

Porzingis recorded 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes in Game 1.

The Celtics big man made an immediate impact in the first quarter and that allowed Boston to pull ahead by 17 points at the end of 12 minutes.

Porzingis did most of his scoring damage in the first quarter, where it looked like Dallas did not know how to defend the big man.

Boston could keep Porzingis in his bench role, or start him in place of Al Horford, but either way, he should play a massive role in Game 2.

The Game 1 blowout allowed Porzingis to not put too many minutes on his legs, and if Game 2 is closer, he might play around 25-30 minutes.

That would be great news for the Celtics as they try to shore up the interior and terrible news for Dallas in its quest to balance out its offensive structure.

Doncic was responsible for 30 of Dallas’ 89 points in Game 1.

P.J. Washington chipped in 14 points, Kyrie Irving scored 12 points and Jaden Hardy had 13 points off the bench. The center duo of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively combined for 10 points.

Dallas needs more scoring from at least two players to contend with Boston’s overall depth.

The key to opening up the scoring may be better passing. The Mavs only had nine assists in Game 1. Doncic had plenty of opportunities where he ignored a passing opportunity to enforce his will around the basket.

Washington, who averaged 6.4 three-point attempts in the Western Conference Final, went 0-for-3 from deep. He could be key to just opening up some space.

Irving went 6-for-19 on an awful shooting night. He has had at least 20 points in four of the five games after he posted a point total below 20 points this postseason.

That is at least a promising sign for the Mavs because if Doncic is the only scoring threat again they will be in an 0-2 hole ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3.

Tatum had a tremendous all-around Game 1 despite scoring 16 points.

The Celtics star contributed 11 rebounds, five assists and a block in a very balanced offensive game for his team.

Boston had all five starters and Porzingis reach double figures, and while the Celtics are more than comfortable with that, there will be one or two games where they need Tatum to take control.

The expectation is Irving has a better offensive performance for Dallas, and if that is the case, the Celtics will locked in a second-half battle.

That is where Tatum could make the difference for the home side. He attempted at least 20 field goals in six of his last eight games.

If he shoots at that rate, Tatum should get to a high point total, and in turn prevent Dallas from gaining a hold in the series.