Here are the main questions arising from Game 2 of the Celtics-Mavericks NBA Finals

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After a thrilling Game 2 in Boston, the Celtics have secured a 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, positioning themselves strongly for the series. Historically, teams up 2-0 in the Finals have a 31-5 record, and the Celtics boast an impressive 43-1 series record when leading 2-0 in a best-of-7 format, with their sole loss occurring in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

The Mavericks now return to the American Airlines Center for Games 3 and 4, where they have a playoff record of 5-3. In Game 2, the Mavericks rebounded from a slow start in the opener, briefly leading 13-6 in the first quarter before Boston took control in the second.

Luka Doncic put up a remarkable performance with 32 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, achieving his seventh triple-double this postseason, tying for the second-most in NBA playoff history. However, his eight turnovers were a setback in Dallas' quest to level the series. As the Mavericks aim to recover in Game 3 on Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), key questions remain: Can Dallas turn the tide? What significant adjustments emerged in Game 2? Our NBA insiders delve into the biggest questions following Game 2.

What was the most significant adjustment made by either team from Game 1 to Game 2? 

Dave McMenamin: Boston's major adjustment was keeping the ball in Jayson Tatum's hands, despite his shooting struggles (6-for-22 after a 6-for-16 performance in Game 1). Tatum’s playmaking was crucial, as he tallied 12 assists on Sunday—his highest this postseason—compared to five in Game 1. He effectively countered the Mavericks' on-ball pressure by connecting with cutters, particularly Jrue Holiday (10-for-13 with only three attempts from beyond the arc), and distributing the ball for open 3-point shots. While the Celtics hit fewer 3s (10 compared to 16 in Game 1), their overall balanced offense mitigated any impact from this dip.

Brian Windhorst: The most significant adjustment wasn't in-game but rather the Celtics' offseason acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. This addition of talent has made the Celtics exceptionally well-rounded, providing a larger margin for error despite their shooting struggles since the first quarter of Game 1, including a poor performance on Sunday. Porzingis' health will be crucial for the remainder of the series.

Marc Spears: Luka Doncic was notably more aggressive from the start, scoring 23 points by halftime. Although he made several tough one-legged shots, his pregame questionable status suggests he isn’t fully recovered from his knee issue that may have hindered him in Game 1. It’s clear Doncic needs more support from Kyrie Irving and others to match the Celtics' offense. Perhaps Tim Hardaway Jr.

should be brought in to help.

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