Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics unfolded as many analysts predicted. The Celtics’ offensive power and floor-spacing were decisive in their 107-89 victory on Thursday night. They sank 16 three-pointers at a 38.1 percent success rate, while the Mavericks struggled from beyond the arc, making only 7 of 27 attempts, with Luka Doncic receiving little support from his teammates.
Hall of Famer Grant Hill compared the 2024 Mavericks to the 2022 Celtics team that lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Hill is eager to see how the Mavericks respond to adversity, something the Celtics struggled with two years ago.
“Two years ago, Golden State outclassed Boston and won the series. Dallas looked like Boston did two years ago. The moment got too big. So how do they regroup? Can they come back with the right mentality? Boston today looked like Golden State two years ago,” Hill said on NBA TV’s Finals postgame show.
Despite their struggles, the Mavericks’ stars held their own. Luka Doncic remained composed in a hostile environment, and Kyrie Irving has experience in this stage. However, the supporting cast faltered under pressure. Derrick Jones Jr. had several shots blocked at the rim, Dereck Lively II seemed nervous and got into foul trouble, and Daniel Gafford was not his usual force on the boards. The Mavericks need these players to improve moving forward.
Is Hill right in comparing the 2024 Mavericks to the 2022 Celtics?
It’s worth noting that the Celtics actually won Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Warriors, coming from behind to secure a 120-108 victory. They even led the series 2-1 before the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s iconic Game 4 performance, won three straight games to clinch the championship.
Grant Hill pointed out that the Celtics were unable to recover after the Warriors’ pivotal Game 4 win. Jayson Tatum, in particular, struggled in Game 6, shooting 6-18 in a lackluster performance that cost them the title.
It’s too early to determine if the Mavericks can bounce back after their disappointing Game 1 performance. However, they need to play with more urgency and determination to avoid the same fate as the Celtics.
“You’ve got to come out and play with more force. Boston punched them in the mouth in the first quarter, and they were staggered and on their heels for the rest of the game. They played with force and confidence throughout the playoffs. Sometimes, it’s not about Xs and Os. Sometimes, it’s about bringing intensity,” Hill added.
Adjustments for Jason Kidd and the Mavericks
The Mavericks must increase their overall effort, as Grant Hill suggested. They need to improve their defensive rotations and dominate the rebounding battle, which has been a key to their playoff success. Kidd might consider adding defensive versatility on the perimeter by using Maxi Kleber or PJ Washington as small-ball centers. However, this adjustment could mean deviating from the strategies that have worked for them so far in the postseason.
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