The Celtics’ playmaking led to a victory over the Mavs

The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, with Joe Mazzulla’s team attacking the Mavericks’ defense successfully. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown managed to make plays despite facing double teams in the halfcourt, impressing Mazzulla with their poise and decision-making skills. He praised their ability to punish double-teams and traps, allowing Boston to control the game and dictate the pace.

Mazzulla highlighted how Tatum and Brown’s decision-making helped the Celtics maintain their offensive style and keep Dallas on the defensive. Both players have evolved into strong ball-handlers and playmakers, with Tatum excelling as a point-forward and Brown using his aggressive offense to create opportunities for his teammates.

Moving forward, the Mavericks will need to adjust their defensive strategy to limit Tatum and Brown’s impact on the game. With Boston’s strong spacing, double-teaming may not be an effective tactic for Dallas in Game 2. If they stick with the same approach, they could struggle against the Celtics on Sunday.

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