Celtics Keep Winning Streak Alive after Fighting Off Mavericks in Overtime
By Michael Mulford
Irving, Celtics come from behind to overcome Barnes, Mavericks fighting effort in overtime.
The Boston Celtics came into Dallas with the NBA’s best record while on a 15 game winning streak. Though it was a tough task, Boston left with their streak still in tact as they fought off the feisty Dallas Mavericks in an overtime victory 110-102.
Kyrie Irving led the way for Boston with a season-high 47 points. Harrison Barnes kept the Mavericks afloat throughout the game with his 31 points.
The Celtics started out hot, as they took a 34-22 lead at the end of the first. Dallas stayed in the game as they cut the first half deficit to four at halftime. Irving had 25 points at halftime on 9-10 shooting, proving that he’s one of the most unstoppable players in the league. Barnes led the Mavs with 13 of his own.
In the third, the Mavs took charge. Dallas outscored Boston 28-16 in the third as Marcus Smart began to shoot the Celtics out of the game as he shot 3-15 from the field and 2-11 from three during the game.
The Mavericks stood strong in the final frame until the final few minutes. Kyrie Irving got cooking again after a slow start to the second half to tie up the score to force overtime as a Celtic friendly crowd began to bring the noise.
In OT, a quick start for the Mavs did not last as Kyrie and company took control. Irving scored 10 of the Celtics 14 points in overtime, bringing his total to 47 on 16-22 shooting. Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum continued to be effective as Brown collected 22 points and nine rebounds while Tatum added 15 points and nine boards of his own.
Beside Harrison’s team leading 31 points, Matthews scored 18 and Dirk had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. DSJ had an off game with only eight points on 4-16 shooting.
When asked about pulling the rookie for Barea in the final 3:48 of the fourth quarter and rolling with JJ and Yogi in the overtime period, Rick Carlisle stated “the other guys were into a flow. We went with experience.”
Following the loss, Dirk had some praise for the Celtics leading man.
All-in-all, a close game against the best team in the league is nothing to hang our head over. Dallas played well and took them to the brink but came up short. Dallas certainly has looked better over the last few days and hope to continue that into the next game, this Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.