I think the key to winning for the Celtics was shutting down Luka Doncic's passing ability. He still scored 30 points but only made 1 assist. Then, the defensive awareness of the Celtics against an offensive team like the Mavs was also showcased tonight. I thought it would become Lob City but it seems like Luka forgot that he has centers that always look above the rim as he throws it up but I only saw him try it once. Horford is too small for Gafford and Lively, even KP will have a hard time against them.
But all credit to JB's defense. I think he got 2 or 3 blocks and steals too. One of them will go to the highlights after he blocked the dunk attempt of the former dunk champion Derrick Jones Jr.
That's right, they can choose a poison, either Luka scores or Luka scores less but would make his teammates better. here, they just let Luka score but his passing ability was ineffective. This is the first time I saw Luka to have 1 assist only, probably the lowest in his career as an NBA player, so this is something unusual and a big problem for the team that needs to be address the next game.
Luka supposed to easily get a triple double, but here he only had a double double with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Maybe Luka just decide to take charge since all of them is struggling to score that's why we see him get less assist on this game. Boston defense is so tight even Kyrie didn't play well on game 1.
Lots of things needed to adjust and Lively need to be more careful taking a lot of fouls since this is how Celtics take advantage on him. Luka usually perform that but the competitiveness is different since Boston is not easy team they have a lot of players can heat up and they connect their 3s so well. If Mavs want to win on game two then a total adjustment on their play is needed also they need to compete with Boston to connect their shots on rainbow area.
This is just a game one 1 and for sure lots of action to see on finals.