Summary
P.J. Washington made two 3-pointers and scored eight points as the Mavericks went on a 22-2 run. However, Dallas needed more scoring beyond Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics, throughout the series, have consistently showcased multiple leading scorers.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
Dallas struggled against Boston's strategy of not doubling Doncic. Instead, the Celtics implemented single coverage on both Doncic and Irving, effectively limiting the effectiveness of Dallas's role players. Dallas’s role players usually thrive on the opportunities generated by their superstar ball-handlers, but this series has seen them falter.
Boston’s Depth vs. Dallas’s Reliance on Stars
Boston's bench players have been more successful than those of Dallas, and this depth has proven to be a significant advantage. The Celtics have devised a balanced team approach which contrasts sharply with Dallas's reliance on their star players. While Boston's role players are not asked to do too much and thus can stay within their strengths, Dallas’s supporting cast struggles when their superstars are neutralized. Tim Hardaway Jr.'s decline and Jaden Hardy's inexperience have further hurt Dallas's offensive rhythm. The team’s system does not seem to support a consistent scoring rhythm for the role players.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
"Washington's 3-pointer with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter was the first any non-Doncic or Irving Maverick had made all night."
"Four of the top six scorers in the series thus far are Celtics."
"The Mavericks averaged more than 16 corner 3-point attempts per game."
"That volume was so high that it ultimately doomed the Thunder."
"The Celtics have taken the opposite approach here. By taking away those two shots, the Celtics have all but disarmed every Maverick except for Doncic and Irving."
"They were all available to Dallas for relatively low prices because they aren't shot-creators."
"If Jones wants to fire from the top of the arc, or if Washington wants to post someone up? The Celtics can live with that."
"Perhaps a third true shot-creator could solve some of these issues for the Mavericks."
"The timing might have just worked out poorly for Dallas. It's a year too early for Hardy and a year too late for Hardaway."
Boston's Balanced Approach
The Celtics may not have a top-five player like Doncic, but they have at least five—and perhaps six—players who could credibly be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players like Sam Hauser have made significant contributions, with Hauser having made more 3-pointers in the series (five) than every Mavericks reserve combined (four).
"They ask less of their supporting players, so they are able to thrive in roles that suit their strengths."
"The Celtics are here because they've successfully devised a roster and scheme in which nobody is asked to do more than they're capable of."
Dallas's Shortcomings
Conversely, the Mavericks are on the verge of losing the series because their supporting cast of specialists can be neutralized so easily. The need for a reliable third shot-creator for Dallas is evident, but the current roster does not seem up to the challenge.
In summary, Boston's depth and balanced approach have allowed them to flourish, while Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has left them vulnerable when those stars are neutralized. It is a classic case of a well-rounded team versus a team dependent on a few superstars, with the former proving more effective in this series.