NBA Finals 2024: Jayson Tatum’s offense and the 3 big Celtics questions that will define Game 2

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) celebrates with Jayson Tatum, right, during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals at the TD Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)

The Celtics and Mavericks will tip off in Game 2 of the NBA Finals tonight.

Here are the four big questions that will decide the winner:

1. How will Dallas adjust?

The Celtics executed a master plan in Game 1, limiting Luka Doncic to a season-low one assist and therefore turning one of the most creative, unsolvable players into strictly a scorer. While Doncic scored 30 points, the Mavs hit a single corner 3 around him and barely attempted any lob dunks, two staples of their offense. So, what will Dallas do next?

History suggests coach Jason Kidd will adjust well, considering how the Mavs have won Game 2 in every playoff series to date. The key will be whether they can force Boston off its 1-on-1 defense, which backboned their plan versus Doncic. By not sending doubles, or even regular help, the Celtics shut off open shots Dallas usually creates by putting the ball in its star’s hands.

Furthermore, the Celtics broke the Mavericks’ defense off the dribble and with spectacular spacing. By putting Jrue Holiday in the dunker spot, they also placed a smaller defender at the rim who was more or less helpless if/when another Celtics ball-handler successfully drove into the paint. That is, except when Jayson Tatum attacked.

The Mavs swarmed Tatum in the paint, which left wide-open shooters for him to find on kick-outs. It also led to six Tatum turnovers, but Dallas lost decisively on that end of the floor because of open 3s. The Mavs’ main adjustments — and the level of success they find in those adjustments — may decide Game 2.

2. What will Kristaps Porzingis’ role be?

Porzingis came off the bench in Game 1 for just the second time in his nine-year NBA career, and he was excellent in that role. He scored 18 first-half points (20 total), grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots. His presence completely transformed how the Celtics were able to play at both ends of the floor, and the Mavs couldn’t compete.

Now that Porzingis has proven he can be an impact player after his 38-day layoff, will Joe Mazzulla bump him back up to the starting lineup and/or increase his workload for Game 2? Porzingis logged 21 minutes Thursday night to Al Horford’s 30, and Horford played well, too, in his 11th consecutive start.

The 38-year-old finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. He was one of three Celtics players (along with Tatum and Holiday) to hit two-plus 3-pointers and grab multiple offensive boards, and Doncic shot 1-for-8 and 0-for-4 from three when Horford was his closest defender.

“(Horford) being centerpiece of us getting to The Finals is something that shouldn’t be overlooked,” Tatum said. “… You can’t give Al enough credit for the impact that he’s had on this playoff run.”

3. Will Kyrie Irving lay another egg?

Doncic is a top-three player in the NBA, but he can’t carry the Mavericks to victory in this series by himself. Dallas needs much more from Luka’s supporting cast than it received in Game 1 — especially Irving, who was held to just 12 points in his latest return to TD Garden.

The ex-Celtic went 6-for-19 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range in 37 minutes, registering more turnovers (three) than assists (two). Dallas was outscored by 19 points while Irving was on the floor, the worst mark of any player who saw game action Thursday night.

Irving has shown the ability to rebound from poor outings in these playoffs. In the West finals against Minnesota, he scored 16 points in a Game 4 loss and then 36 in a Game 5 win. The Mavs need a similar bounce-back from their co-star as they look to avoid an 0-2 series hole.