Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics player, spoke to the media ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks.
After the Boston Celtics’ dominant 107:89 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jrue Holiday anticipates a fierce comeback from the Mavericks in Game 2 on Sunday night.
“It’s Game 2 of the Finals. I think we are definitely expecting them to swing and come out clawing and fighting. We know in their Game 2s, Luka Doncic has started off, definitely been killer, especially in the first quarter. I think at this point, we have to lock into the game plan and do the best we can to kind of withstand their punches and go from there.”
Holiday expects the Mavericks to approach Game 2 with increased aggression and possibly some strategic adjustments.
“They are probably going to try to get more threes. I think their role players are going to make more of an impact and then they are just going to come out more aggressive. It was Game 1. It’s always a feeler game. I think when both teams get more comfortable out here, it will be a battle.”
The Celtics are preparing to limit Doncic’s impact while focusing on containing the Mavericks’ supporting cast.
“I think we did the best we could trying to take away their lobs.Those are definitely energy plays for them. Two high flyers in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively, we tried to take those away.
I think we tried to keep them on the free throw line as best possible, and we know they have corner shooters in Derrick Jones Jr. and P.J. Washington and Tim Hardaway Jr. They have a lot of great role players out there. So, just really hoping to do the best we can to try to minimize it.”
The Mavericks have a track record of bouncing back in Game 2s, having won the second game in each playoff series so far. Meanwhile, the Celtics have had mixed results, losing Game 2 against the Heat and Cavaliers before securing a win against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. Jrue Holiday is confident that Boston can maintain their momentum.
“I think having that mindset that we want this win and however long it takes, no matter what it takes, get it done.Not every game is going to be pretty, or like the first game. Just knowing that if we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll always have a chance.”
The Boston Celtics lead the series 1-0, and Game 2 will be played again at TD Garden on Monday morning, starting at 2:00 AM.