Boston Celtics have taken a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, recording a seven-point win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday morning (AEST).
In a gripping contest, a clutch late block from Derrick White set up Boston’s 105-98 victory, which sees them placed in a commanding spot in the seven-game series.
The win may have come at a cost for the Celtics however, with in-form star Kristaps Porzingis leaving the court with a calf issue in the fourth quarter.
READ MORE: ‘What a mistake’: ‘Strange’ moment Zverev lost final
READ MORE: ‘Brainless’ capitulation puts Pakistan on World Cup brink
READ MORE: ‘How dumb’: Fans erupt as star snubbed from Olympics
“This is a big deal,” commentator Doris Burke said.
In a positive post-game update, coach Joe Mazzulla believes Porzingis is in “zero” doubt of missing the side’s next match, but will be monitored over the coming days.
Celtics players during game two of the NBA Finals. Getty
Jrue Holiday had 26 points and 11 rebounds, while superstar Jayson Tatum made up for a rough shooting night with 12 assists and nine rebounds.
For the Mavs, Luka Doncic scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists – the first NBA Finals triple-double in the franchise’s history – but missed a late shot from three-point range to end his team’s hope of mounting a comeback.
Kyrie Irving scored 16 points in the loss as the Boston fans gave their former star plenty of heat from the crowd.
But the biggest moment of the match came with less than a minute to go when Irving went up to the rim and was blocked by White, sending the TD Garden faithful into a frenzy.