The pressure is on the Dallas Mavericks as they trail the best of seven series by 0-2 as the Texan capital is set to host Game 3.
Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Jun 12th, 2024 16:08 EDT
MADDIE MEYERAFP
The Boston Celtics are on a roll as they look to claim their 18th NBA championship in franchise history that would permit fans to genuinely claim that the Beantown team are the best in history. As things stand both the Celtics and arch rivals LA Lakers have won 17 championships and the Celtics currently lead Dallas by 2-0 in the best of seven series.
Job’s not done so the work continues 😤 pic.twitter.com/dB4a4uRghL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 12, 2024
Boston are in the driver’s seat based on league history, as 31 of 36 teams who had a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals went on to win it but were dealt a small body blow with the news that Latvian star Porzingis may miss Game 3 after sustaining an ankle injury in Game 2.
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Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (R) of Latvia in acton against Dallas Mavericks CJ GUNTHEREFE
Game 3 in Texas
After back-to-back wins at the TD Garden, the series now heads to Texas and affords Dallas a chance to deliver some hope for Mavs fans who have seen the team lean heavily on the talent of Slovenian point guard Luka Doncic.
The 25-year-old has been in excellent form despite wide reports that the player is still struggling with an ankle and knee injury. To make matters worse ahead of Game 2, ESPN reported that the player needed a cortisone injection to play through the pain being caused by a chest contusion with the Slovenian marked as ‘doubtful’ ahead of Wednesday’s game at the American Airlines Centre.
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks ADAM GLANZMANAFP
Dallas fans look to Kyrie
Mavs fans are hoping that for the forthcoming games at the American Airlines Centre in Texas, Kyrie Irving can step up and show the quality that has graced much of the postseason campaign for Dallas. In the two games in Boston, Irving has managed just 14 points on a combined 13-for-37 shooting, including 0-for-8 from long range and if Dallas are to get back on track, they need greater impact and contribution for Kyrie.