The Dallas Mavericks were on a high after their impressive Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. A one-week break before Game 1 of the NBA Finals turned out to be a massive disappointment for their franchise as the Mavericks got blown out by the Boston Celtics, 107-89. The Celtics had a terrific game plan from start to finish, and the Mavericks were unable to execute their plays consistently.
The NBA Finals series shifts to Game 2 with the Mavericks hoping to steal a critical game at TD Garden. Luka Doncic was the lone bright spot in Game 1 even with the superstar far from the best version of himself. Jason Kidd's other usual contributors, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Lively, and Derrick Jones Jr., all struggled immensely.
Crucial adjustments will be implemented on Sunday night, so here are a couple of adjustments that fans can expect from the Mavericks.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is a spark plug and finishes with at least 10+ points
The Mavericks' defense was the more worrisome facet in Game 1 but scoring 89 points will not cut it for their squad.
Maxi Kleber and Josh Green played a total of 38 minutes in the previous outing, but they were non-factors on the offensive side. Both of these individuals will likely receive ample opportunities at the start of Game 2, but Kidd will likely pull the trigger and utilize someone like Tim Hardaway Jr.
Before his ankle injury in Round 1, Hardaway Jr. was part of the regular rotation, but he has been benched ever since. The offensive options of the Mavericks when Doncic and Irving are on the floor must be bolstered and having Hardaway Jr. for short stretches could fill in that hole.
Defense can be an issue with the three guards on the floor at the same time, so Kidd must also tinker with other lineup combinations.
Kyrie Irving finishes with 30+ points
Boston's defense has been exceptional against Irving for the past couple of years, but there is a high chance he will have a spectacular outing in the NBA Finals Game 2. The experience of Irving in the finals will be a huge boost, and he has shown to manufacture ways to score successive buckets, regardless of the defender.
In Game 1, Irving had numerous open looks that he could not cash in, but those same shots will result in swishes during the following games. The Mavericks have the firepower to compete with the Celtics, but they just seemed to relax in the inaugural contest. Irving will be more aggressive and get to his spots, which will result in more open looks for his teammates as well.
The Mavericks lead for the majority of the night, lose a squeaker in Game 2
Kidd will apply vital adjustments for Game 2, and they will work tremendously, especially at the early juncture of the battle.
Boston is not known to thrive in Game 2's of their previous series, so Dallas will definitely take advantage of that weakness. The Mavericks will take control early in the night, led by Doncic and Irving, but they will not be able to hold on to knot the series heading to Texas.
The Celtics' talent and firepower will be too much in the second half, though, and they will eke out a close match.
There will be more silver linings from Game 2 as more ancillary pieces will play at a stellar level compared to the Game 1 domination. Despite the Mavericks' loss, claiming at least one victory on their home court will be plausible, especially after the close outcome in Game 2.
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