Even if they do not always offer truth or meaningful reading, it is always interesting to look back on the regular season meetings of the two NBA finalists. THE Celtics and the Mavericks crossed swords in January and March and a trend was confirmed.
During the two meetings, Boston imposed its talent, even without Kristaps Porzingis during the trip to Texas, to win twice.
January 22 in Dallas (110-119)
As he had played and shone the day before in Houston, Kristaps Porzingis was in civilian clothes for this meeting. But that didn't pose a problem for the Celtics, who were able to rely on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the first period. The Kyrie Irving – Luka Doncic duo tries to respond after the break, but the two Boston All-Stars are stronger.
The Celtics are only worried five minutes from the end, after the last banderillas of Luka Doncic, author of a big game with 33 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists but well hampered by the Celtic defenders, in particular Jaylen Brown (35 points) .
The latter cools the room with a 3-pointer at the end of the game and the Celtics win with 38 points from Jayson Tatum.
March 1 in Boston (138-110)
Almost six weeks after this first duel, the two teams meet again in Boston. This time, Kristaps Porzingis is there and he and his teammates remain on nine victories in a row. The Cetlics quickly take control of the game. Then, in the third quarter, they found themselves under threat from Jason Kidd's troops.
Jayson Tatum and Porzingis accelerate and Joe Mazzulla's players pass a 21-11 to regain some air. The last quarter is thus one-way. Dallas could only really believe it for a few moments, before being swept away. The Tatum – Brown – Porzingis trio finished with 81 points in this tenth victory in a row.
Luka Doncic still compiles a triple-double (37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists) but we especially remember the cold reception from the Boston public for Kyrie Irving (19 points). “ They have the right to boo,” the Mavericks playmaker will react.
