Key moment that helps Celtics take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals

In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks struggled against the Boston Celtics, leading to a pivotal moment deep in the third quarter. When the Celtics extended their lead from two to six points, Mavericks' coach Jason Kidd called a timeout to regroup his team. However, this only resulted in further disarray as the Mavericks' deficit quickly ballooned from 63-61 to 75-63 in less than two minutes.

The Celtics' defensive prowess and quick offensive transitions were key during this stretch. After the timeout, a series of mistakes plagued Dallas: Luka Doncic had a turnover that led to a quick basket for the Celtics, and subsequent missed three-pointers and fouls only exacerbated the situation. The Mavericks' lack of depth compared to the Celtics became evident as Kidd attempted to rest key players like Kyrie Irving and Maxi Kleber, only to see the replacements struggle.

The Celtics' lead created a significant cushion, allowing them to maintain control despite Dallas' attempts to close the gap. Even though the Mavericks managed a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter, they could only cut the lead to five points and never came closer.

This game highlighted the critical importance of momentum and the challenges of managing player fatigue and depth in high-stakes situations. The Celtics' ability to capitalize on Dallas' errors and maintain their lead ultimately secured their victory.