Let’s take a look at some keys to how tonight’s trio of Game 2’s unfolded.
Brooklyn Nets 130, Boston Celtics 108
Nets lead series 2-0
The Brooklyn Nets are inevitable in this series. Especially against a Celtics team that is missing Jaylen Brown. A 40-26 first quarter was all the Nets needed to set the tone for this game and coast to victory. Joe Harris spearheaded that opening barrage with 16 points in the quarter, his 4-of-4 shooting from 3-point range serving as early daggers to a listless Celtics squad.
While Harris’ shooting was immaculate in the opening period, Boston also did their part to put the game away early. They were stagnant offensively, devolving into a brand of iso ball better suited for their opponent. Defensively, they didn’t bring the energy, allowing Brooklyn to outclass them 8-2 in fastbreak points in the quarter and 8-3 in second chance points.
The C’s will be back in front of their home fans for Game 3. If they want to get at least a win off of the Brooklyn juggernaut, they have to bring the energy and confidence. The odds may be against them to be competitive in this series, but they have to have the confidence that they can hang with this team. Otherwise, they won’t need plane tickets back to Brooklyn for Game 5, and their season will be done before the month of June begins.
Los Angeles Lakers 109, Phoenix Suns 102
Series tied 1-1
LeBron James and Anthony Davis had a rough collective outing in Game 1, combining for just 31 points. They needed to bounce back in Game 2 to keep the Lakers’ advancement hopes alive, and they both answered the call, coming together for 57 points.
LeBron was back to his all-around self, dropping 23 points while dishing out nine assists and swiping two steals. However, AD had the bigger turnaround, going from 13 points in Game 1 to 34 points in Game 2. He also added 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks to his ledger.
Davis was certainly more aggressive in Game 2. But he was so much so, that over half of his points came off of free throws. AD went 18-of-21 from the charity stripe. His 21 attempts enter a 17-way tie for the 46th-most ever taken in a playoff game. The 18 he made enter a 19-way tie for 27th-most in playoff history.
For Phoenix, the De-duo of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton had another solid night, combining for 53 points. Unfortunately, Cameron Payne (19 points) was the only other Sun to hit double-figures. The Lakers just edged them out with two Lakers besides James and Davis hitting double-digits (24 from Dennis Schroder, Andre Drummond with 15).
Chris Paul’s shoulder injury he sustained in Game 1 loomed large in Game 2, as he finished with just six points, five assists, and three turnovers in nearly 23 minutes of play. Paul has been the veteran catalyst that got the Suns to this position. If his injury is too severe, that could spell trouble for Phoenix against a Lakers team that is slowly finding its groove.
Dallas Mavericks 127, Los Angeles Clippers 121
Mavericks lead series 2-0
Yikes, Clippers. Big yikes.
The Dallas Mavericks leave Los Angeles with a 2-0 lead, in a series that it’s speculated the Clippers tanked their last two regular season games to make happen. Be careful what you wish for, I suppose.
The turning point in this matchup was Dallas’ 30-19 third quarter. After a first half where both teams combined to shoot 65.1 percent, it seems the Clippers left their offense in the locker room. Dallas shot 52.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from 3-point range in the third. LA meekly responded by going 36.8 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from distance. The Clippers got back on track in the fourth, but it was too little, too late.
Luka Doncic had another monster game, finishing with 39 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and — to keep things lucky, I suppose — seven turnovers. He wasn’t alone, though, as his production was bolstered by three more Mavericks hitting double-figures; they combined for 61 points.
LA’s top two or Kawhi Leonard (41 points) and Paul George (28 points) paced their team with big numbers, combining for 69 points. However, the Reggie Jackson (15 points) was the only other Clipper to hit double-figures. Additionally, 30 of Leonard’s 41 came in the first half. He only had four points in the third and seven in the fourth.
It’s looking very ugly for this Clippers team. I don’t think they’ll be swept, they’re too talented for that. However, if this team truly has “Championship DNA“, they have to win Game 3 on Friday.
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