But the Celtics still managed to open up a 54-51 halftime lead while shooting 3-of-15 from long distance. Then they turned the screws on defense to open the third quarter and take control of the game. Dallas turnovers — many of them by Dončić — were repeatedly converted to points on the other end.
JB steal ➡️ Holiday layup!BOS seeks a 2-0 series lead with a Game 2 win on ABC ????#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/4dVigy3kj2
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2024
The Celtics extended their lead to 83-74 in a third quarter that was capped by a miracle 3-pointer from backup point guard Payton Pritchard.
PAYTON PRITCHARD FROM DOWNTOWN TO BEAT THE 3Q BUZZER ????????#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV ???? Game 2 on ABC ???? pic.twitter.com/hF8eIT3sW9
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2024
By the fourth quarter, Boston's defense was in control, and its 3-point shooting was back to form. A Derrick White 3-pointer extended the Celtics lead to 103-89 in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
Derrick White for 3⃣ in the 4Q!BOS seeks a 2-0 series lead with a Game 2 win on ABC ????#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/RfOfay6w9B
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2024
Dallas wasn't done, though. The Mavericks went on a late 9-0 run to trim the Celtics lead to 103-98 with 1:15 remaining. Then, as the clock ticked into the final minute, Dallas threatened to cut the game to a single possession. Derrick White had other ideas.
Derrick Jones Jr. blocked a Tatum layup at the rim to ignite a Dallas fast break. Irving then found P.J. Washington with a bounce pass for what looked like a layup to cut the Boston lead to 3. But White — an All-Defensive Team selection alongside Holiday — chased the play down and blocked Washington from behind.
