Boston Celtics Seize 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals After Game 2 Victory

Celtics Dominate Third Quarter, Pull Away for Win

Boston's Defense Stifles Mavericks as Holiday Shines

The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals after a resounding 97-85 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 on Sunday night.

The Celtics seized control of the game in the third quarter, sparking a 10-0 run that pushed their lead to 83-74. Boston's defense clamped down on the Mavericks, holding them to just 40.6% shooting from the field in the quarter.

All-Star guard Jrue Holiday led the Celtics with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 22 points. Kyrie Irving contributed 18 points and 7 assists, and Al Horford chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Mavericks, Luka Dončić struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 21 points on 7-of-25 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 points, but it wasn't enough to keep Dallas in the game.

The Celtics will aim to take a 3-0 series lead when they host the Mavericks in Game 3 on Wednesday night.