The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics has long been an exciting spectacle for basketball fans. From Game 1 of the NBA Finals through to Game 3, their stats and performances demonstrate intense skill on the court. This blog analyzes Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics quarter-by-quarter player stats to show key moments, noteworthy players, and game-changing performances.
Game 1: Setting the Stage
Game 1 of the Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics match was a nail-biter, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. The Celtics’ formidable defense faced off against the Mavericks’ high-octane offense, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
First Quarter Highlights:
- Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with his signature playmaking and scoring, contributing 12 points in the opening quarter.
- The Celtics relied on Jayson Tatum’s all-around brilliance, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds.
- The Mavericks maintained a narrow lead, with their sharp perimeter shooting giving them a 30-27 advantage.
Second Quarter Highlights:
- The Celtics’ Marcus Smart provided a defensive spark, securing two steals and a block.
- Jaylen Brown’s aggressive drives resulted in 8 points, helping the Celtics outscore the Mavericks 25-20.
- At halftime, the Celtics led 52-50, setting the stage for a fierce second half.
Third Quarter Highlights:
- The Mavericks came out strong, with Kyrie Irving taking charge and scoring 14 points in the quarter.
- The Celtics countered with Tatum’s efficient mid-range game and Al Horford’s contributions from beyond the arc.
- The quarter ended with the Mavericks reclaiming the lead, 78-76.
Fourth Quarter Highlights:
- In a tightly contested finish, the Celtics’ bench, particularly Malcolm Brogdon, stepped up, scoring 10 crucial points.
- The Mavericks struggled to contain the Celtics’ late surge, losing Game 1 with a final score of 102-99.
Game 2: A Battle of Strategies
The player numbers for the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics game the story changed in Game 2 because the Celtics changed how they were going to play. Played on June 9, 2024, this game saw tactical brilliance from both sides.

First Quarter Highlights:
- Boston’s defensive prowess shone early, holding the Mavericks to just 18 points.
- Tatum and Brown combined for 20 points, setting the tone for the Celtics.
- The quarter ended with Boston leading 28-18.
Second Quarter Highlights:
- Luka Dončić regained his rhythm, scoring 15 points in the quarter, including three 3-pointers.
- The Mavericks cut into the lead but struggled to contain the Celtics’ offensive rebounds.
- At halftime, Boston maintained a 55-49 lead.
Third Quarter Highlights:
- The Celtics’ Derrick White stepped up, contributing 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers.
- Dallas’ Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 18 points, keeping the game within reach.
- Boston held a slim 79-76 lead heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter Highlights:
- A dominant showing from Boston’s bench sealed the game. Robert Williams’ defensive presence and Brogdon’s scoring off the bench were instrumental.
- The Celtics claimed a decisive 114-106 victory, with standout performances from Tatum (34 points) and Brown (28 points).
Game 3: The Mavericks Strike Back
In Game 3, the Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats highlighted the Mavericks’ resilience as they fought to avoid a series sweep.
First Quarter Highlights:
- Luka Dončić was unstoppable, scoring 16 points and dishing out 4 assists.
- Boston relied heavily on Tatum, but the Mavericks’ defense limited his effectiveness.
- Dallas ended the quarter with a commanding 32-22 lead.
Second Quarter Highlights:
- The Celtics’ Smart and White combined for 15 points, narrowing the gap.
- Dallas’ Reggie Bullock contributed with three key three-pointers, maintaining the Mavericks’ momentum.
- At halftime, Dallas led 62-55.
Third Quarter Highlights:
- The Celtics stormed back, with Brown leading the charge and scoring 14 points.
- Irving’s clutch shooting kept the Mavericks ahead, but their lead was trimmed to 88-85 by the end of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter Highlights:
- In a thrilling conclusion, Dončić showcased his MVP-caliber skills, scoring 12 points in the final quarter.
- The Mavericks’ defense, anchored by Maxi Kleber, held strong, forcing crucial turnovers.
- Dallas secured a hard-fought 120-115 victory, with Dončić finishing with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Key Takeaways from the Series
Analyzing the Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics match player stats across Games 1, 2, and 3 reveals critical insights:
- Luka Dončić’s Dominance: Dončić was the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ offense, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. His ability to create plays under pressure kept Dallas competitive in every game.
- Celtics’ Defensive Strength: The Celtics excelled in disrupting the Mavericks’ rhythm, with Smart, White, and Williams playing pivotal roles. Their ability to switch seamlessly on defense gave Boston a tactical edge.
- Bench Contributions: Boston’s bench players, particularly Brogdon and Williams, proved to be game-changers, outscoring Dallas’ reserves in crucial moments.
- Shooting Efficiency: The Mavericks’ reliance on three-point shooting was both a strength and a vulnerability. When their shots fell, they dominated, but Boston’s defensive adjustments often disrupted their perimeter game.
Conclusion
Player numbers from Games 1 through 3 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics match show that these are two very good teams going head-to-head. Each game brought unique challenges and highlights, showcasing the talent and strategies of both sides. As the series progresses, fans eagerly await more thrilling performances and critical moments. Whether it’s Dončić’s brilliance or Boston’s cohesive teamwork, this matchup continues to deliver unforgettable basketball action.