The Boston Celtics have dominated in the NBA Finals with a 2-0 lead as the series transfers to Dallas for the next two games.

The high-level defense that the Celtics deploy has been consistent and too much for Dallas to handle and it’s the reason they’ve won the first two games of the Finals.

Although the offense has been spotty at times in the first two games for Boston, their defense hasn’t. The entire team is contributing on that end and it’s making all the difference in this series.

Boston’s relentlessness on defense held Dallas to under 100-points in the first two games, limiting passing lanes and causing havoc with switching.

With two days off in between games, here are some notes and takeaways from the past week surrounding the Celtics.

• Kristaps Porzingis suffered another injury in Game 2 unrelated to the right calf injury that kept him on the sidelines for the 38 days and two playoff series heading to the Finals. He’s listed as questionable with a torn medial retinaculum, causing dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon in his left leg.
• Jayson Tatum is on the verge of averaging a triple-double in the Finals with 17.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. His shooting production is lower than he expected (31.5 FG%), but he’s increased his production in other areas of the game. Despite what the talking heads are saying, Tatum’s had an impactful series.
• Jrue Holiday has been fantastic on both ends of the court, making his greatest impact on defense. He’s rising in the MVP rankings, currently at fourth with +750 odds of winning the award.
• Jaylen Brown continues to lead the way for the Celtics on both ends. He’s averaging 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the Finals. He’s been spectacular and there’s no doubt about it.
• Derrick White continues to be the rock that does whatever is needed when it’s needed. He’s relied on in that way and it’s showing in the Finals. He’s searching for a contract extension in the offseason with Boston.
• Al Horford will likely have an increased workload with the recent news about Porzingis suffering another injury, which could become another setback for the big man.
• Joe Mazzulla has really shined as a coach in the playoffs, coaching his ass off in the Conference Finals and now in the Finals two wins away from a championship.

The Celtics positioned themselves with a lead in the series with Game 3 set to tipoff from Dallas on Wednesday at 8:30 PM.

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Photo Credit: Garrett Ellwood, NBAE via Getty Images