3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' dreadful Game 2 loss to Celtics

Heading into Sunday night's Game 2 against the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks were cool, calm, and collected.

Despite the outside noise and panic from fans, Jason Kidd never panicked. The Mavs knew what kind of position they were in, especially since they've been notorious for losing in Game 1s during the Kidd era, and their calmness and focus traveled into Game 2.

Despite being calm and seemingly ready to play, Dallas was defeated by Boston by a score of 105-98 in Game 2, and now the Celtics hold a 2-0 series lead heading back to the American Airlines Center for Game 3.

3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' dreadful Game 2 loss to Celtics

The Mavs got off to a strong start, and Boston's role players finally started missing some shots. In Game 1, the Mavs were plagued by a flaming hot start from the Celtics, and them keeping Boston in check during that first quarter ultimately helped them get the early lead.

This lead later fizzled, and the rest is history.

The Mavs needed this win badly, and they couldn't find a way to win. Dallas has not been able to catch a break with all of Luka Doncic's injuries, and now they have their backs against the wall.

Here are three studs and two duds from the Dallas Mavericks' Game 2 loss to the Boston Celtics.

5. Stud - Derrick Jones Jr

Derrick Jones Jr. had an extremely rough Game 1 that included him continuously getting blocked at the rim by Kristaps Porzingis. He was extremely inefficient as he finished with five points while shooting 2-9 from the field, but Game 2 was different.

Jones Jr. finished with 11 points while shooting 4-7 from the field, and he was great in the first half. He had an and-one layup in transition, a great lob finish from Luka Doncic, and was playing good defense.

Jones Jr. continues to be one of the most valuable defenders on the roster, and he continues to jack up his contract price later this summer by the way he is playing. He has already said that he wants to return to Dallas, and his play on both ends continues to win over the hearts of Mavs fans.

Jones Jr. is fearless, and the Mavs need him to continue to make good decisions when attacking the rim and not forcing anything. He needed to bounce back badly, and that's exactly what happened on Sunday.