By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry
Chasing History.
That’s the Dallas Mavericks new theme for the NBA Finals as the team finds itself down 0-2 in the Finals to the Boston Celtics and in desperate need of a win.
As a reminder of the goal, a large banner has been installed in the tunnel of American Airlines Center where Game 3 will be played on Wednesday night.
Chasing History.
The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers – a team ironically featuring Maverick Kyrie Irving – found themselves down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors. They then rattled off 3 wins to claim the NBA Championship title that year.
Chasing History.
The 2021 Milwaukee Bucks found themselves down 0-2 to the Phoenix Suns. They then rattled off 4 straight to claim the NBA Championship that year.
It’s not impossible, Mavs players and fans want everyone to believe – but it all starts Wednesday as the Mavs host the Celtics in Game 3.
“We’re home. Boston held serve (at home) and that’s what we plan to do starting with Game 3,” said Head Coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday after Mavs practice.
Said Luka Doncic of his teammates who have missed often wide open shots in the first two games: “Just keep shooting. We all believe in those shots. That’s how we came to the Finals.
“We believe in those guys. Everyone believes. If you’re open. Just keep shooting.”
Doncic, who suffered a chest injury during Game 1, was listed as questionable for Game 2 but he played and finished with a triple double – 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. He was asked about the chest injury after team practice Tuesday and had this to say:
“I feel good,” he said. “I don’t want to get in any more details. But I feel good.”
It was later reported by ESPN that he received a painkilling injection before the start of Game 2 and likely will receive it before Game 3 where he’s listed as probable.
Game 3 begins at 7:30 p.m. on ABC (locally WFAA-TV Channel 8).
Dorothy Gentry is an award-winning journalist, PR pro and educator. A University of North Texas alum, she is the Sports Editor for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger.
