The Boston Celtics secured a crucial 105-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 on Sunday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Despite the victory, the game was not without its controversies, particularly concerning a pivotal play in the closing stages that left fans and commentators debating the fairness of the officiating.
As the game neared its climax, the Mavericks, who had trailed by as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter, managed to reduce the deficit to five points. The momentum seemed to swing further in their favor when they had an opportunity to narrow the gap to just three points on a fast break.
The critical moment came when Derrick White of the Celtics blocked P.J. Washington’s attempt to score.
However, replays suggested that Jaylen Brown might have pushed Washington in the back, and White seemed to hit Washington’s hand before the ball, raising questions about a missed foul call that could have significantly impacted the outcome.
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This no-call sparked a wave of frustration among Mavericks fans, who took to social media to express their discontent, with some claiming that the referees were influencing the series.
Adding to the Mavericks’ challenges, star player Luka Doncic has been carrying a heavy load with limited support from his teammates. Kyrie Irving, in particular, has struggled to find his rhythm against the Celtics’ tight defense led by Jrue Holiday. Irving’s performance has dipped, averaging only 14.0 points on 35.1 percent shooting from the field in the series, according to ESPN.
The controversy and the Mavericks’ uphill battle have set the stage for a tense continuation of the Finals as the series moves forward.
