Celtics beat writer Jared Weiss and Mavericks beat writer Tim Cato discuss Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Topics include Jrue Holiday's performance in the paint, Boston's defense against Kyrie Irving, and more.
Boston's strong defense restricted Dallas's offense by limiting corner threes and disrupting playmaking.
Celtics' egalitarian offense thrives on multiple contributors, emphasizing strategic execution over individual brilliance.
Derek White's defensive prowess aided Celtics in limiting Mavericks' offense, showcasing commitment to strong defense.
Deep dives
Celtics Defense Dictates Series Pace
The Celtics displayed a dominant defense in the series, controlling Dallas's offense by restricting their corner threes. By focusing on limiting Luca Doncic's playmaking, the Celtics disrupted the Mavericks' offense, keeping the series in their favor.
Boston's Balanced Offense and Defensive Commitment
Boston showcased an egalitarian offense where multiple players contribute, avoiding reliance on a single individual. Despite poor shooting performances, the Celtics maintained control by executing on both ends of the court with strategic defense.
Impact of Derek White's Defensive Consistency
Derek White's defensive consistency stood out, contesting shots effectively and actively protecting the rim. His defensive impact, along with the Celtics' overall defensive commitment, has been instrumental in limiting the Mavericks' offense.
Jason Tatum's Playmaking and Defensive Contributions
Jason Tatum showcased growth as a playmaker, amassing assists despite a subpar scoring game. His two-way impact, along with defensive prowess, has elevated his performance while impacting the series dynamics.
Porzingis' Offensive Impact and Defensive Challenges
Porzingis displayed offensive prowess with tough shot-making but faced defensive challenges, causing mismatches in the series. His offensive versatility posed a significant threat, yet defensive adjustments are crucial for the Mavericks.
Contemplating the Defensive vs. Offensive Impact
The defensive vs. offensive dynamics highlighted in the series raise questions about the value of two-way play. While offensive prowess like Luca's excels, defensive efforts, as seen in Boston's approach, prove essential in series outcomes.
Dave DuFour is joined by Celtics beat writer Jared Weiss and Mavericks beat writer Tim Cato to discuss Game 2 of the NBA Finals. How did Jrue Holiday go 9 for 9 in the paint? What has the Boston defense done to Kyrie Irving? We discuss all this and more on today's episode.
