The Boston Celtics lose at the buzzer to the Mavericks, ending their road trip 2-1 as they fall to an overall record of 4-6. They shrugged off a slow start and made a strong second-half push to put pressure on the Mavericks, but it wasn’t enough.
Despite the Mavs attempts at regaining control of the game, the Celtics fought back every time until the final possession.
With the game knotted at 104, Marcus Smart made a baffling decision to foul Luka Doncic beyond half-court with five seconds remaining on the shot clock. This allowed the Mavericks to hold for the final shot and essentially eliminated the Celtic’s chances of winning in regulation. It was a costly mistake by Smart and Luka made them pay for it.
The Dallas superstar knocked down a clutch step-back three at the buzzer to secure a 107-104 win for the Mavericks.
Although the result was disappointing, there were plenty of positive signs from the Celtics.
The most encouraging display was the way the Celtics fought back from a big deficit and gave themselves an opportunity to win. Too many times this team has fallen behind early and rolled over but that was not the case tonight. Even without Jaylen Brown in the lineup, the Celtics gave fans plenty of reasons to keep believing in this team.
Another positive was that Jayson Tatum put on a big performance. The 23-year-old scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and shot 6-8 from deep.
It’s no secret that Tatum has struggled to get going this season but Saturday night’s game could be a return to form.
The Celtics will return home and are set to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)