10 takeaways from the Celtics’ dynamic win over the Mavericks

#1 – Daniel Gafford on Jrue Holiday

As the season evolves, more teams seem to follow the Grizzlies’ approach. Back in December, Memphis decided to leave Jrue Holiday open from three to crowd the paint and keep a rim protector near the basket. Memphis used Jaren Jackson Jr. as a roamer in the paint, ignoring Jrue in the corner. Last night, it was Daniel Gafford who adopted a similar strategy.

However, the Celtics’ approach to this defensive coverage has evolved. Against the Grizzlies, Jrue was used as a stationary shooter in the corner and attempted 17 threes that night. Against Dallas, Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff adjusted to this tactic. They put the ball in Jrue Holiday’s hands more frequently.

They utilized him more as a ball handler, encouraging him to drive, pull up, and work off his teammates’ screens. Using on-ball screens was the best way to force a switch and pull Daniel Gafford away from Jrue Holiday. For example, when Gafford switched onto Jayson Tatum, the Mavericks’ defense had to send help on the ball, leaving one of the Celtics’ players open.

With Jrue Holiday more involved, the veteran guard was able to stay engaged in the offense and capitalize on opportunities. Scoring 17 points on 12 attempts, it’s clear the defensive game plan didn’t stop Jrue Holiday from impacting the game. However, this defensive strategy had a broader impact—once again, the Celtics struggled at the rim.

#2 – Rim efficiency issues continue

For the second game in a row, the Celtics shot below 40% at the rim, far from their usual 70%. The volume was also low, with only 20% of their attempts coming within four feet of the basket. With a defender constantly roaming the paint and leaving Jrue Holiday or the weak-side corner open, Dallas effectively reduced the Celtics’ rim pressure and efficiency.

Celtics opponents seem content to leave one of Boston’s players open beyond the arc if it forces the team into contested shots at the rim or in the mid-range. Considering the Celtics’ recent shooting struggles, this approach makes sense for opposing teams, as it disrupts the offense and increases the likelihood of missed threes. Sometimes, there was up to three Mavs in the paint:

Last night, however, this defensive strategy wasn’t enough, as the Celtics managed to create the much-needed gap late in the third quarter.

#3 – Triples to beat the zone

Late in the third quarter, the Dallas Mavericks switched to a 2-3 zone to disrupt driving lanes.

The Celtics’ bench unit adapted quickly. Through smart ball movement—working the ball in and out to collapse the zone defense—the Celtics were able to generate open threes, closing out a dominant 37–27 third quarter and entering the final 12 minutes with a 20-point advantage.

This zone defense aimed to limit drives and corner threes, but the Celtics are becoming more comfortable shooting from above the break. As a result, they exploited the gaps in the zone to finish the quarter strong.

#4 – Derrick White’s third-quarter takeover

The third quarter also featured Derrick White taking over the game. Within eight minutes, White had outscored the entire Mavericks team in the quarter. His contributions were vital, as the Celtics struggled to start the second half.

He began by taking advantage of Kristaps Porziņģis’ gravity, knocking down a corner three.

White’s driving game was also on full display, with his floater game briefly returning. As the Mavericks packed the paint to protect the rim, his floater became crucial. His ability to drive, create space for himself, and loft the ball over the rim protector kept the Celtics’ offense alive.

After a few quieter games, Derrick White reminded everyone on ESPN why he’s considered the best role player in the NBA.

#5 – Jaylen Brown’s mid-range game

This season, Jaylen Brown has faced tough luck from three, and his rim finishing hasn’t been as strong as before. However, his mid-range game proved valuable in this matchup.

With the Mavericks focused on preventing the Celtics from getting to the rim, the mid-range became a viable option. Jaylen Brown leaned into this, attempting 14 of his 21 shots from the mid-range. Utilizing floaters, post moves, and fadeaways, Brown showcased some old-school scoring.

Nonetheless, his efficiency remained low. Brown finished with a 47% true shooting percentage on high usage. Despite this, his driving and scoring gravity drew defensive attention, opening opportunities for his teammates, and he ended the game with a team-high six assists.

#6 – 11 assists from the bench

Recently, the Celtics’ bench has struggled to support the offense as effectively as it did earlier in the season. Last night, however, was a reminder of the bench unit’s importance. Horford, Kornet, Pritchard, and Hauser combined for 11 assists, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success.

With ball movement and aggressive rebounding, the bench provided an energy boost the starting five sometimes lacks. Their focus on creating the best shot and winning possession battles proved to be a game-changer.

#7 – Dallas struggles without Kyrie

On the other side, the Mavericks’ offense faltered whenever Kyrie Irving was off the floor. With Irving on the court, their offensive rating was a stellar 123. However, in the six minutes he sat, the Mavericks’ offense fell apart, dragging their overall offensive rating down to 110.

Without Luka Dončić and Dereck Lively, the Mavericks lack offensive options during the few minutes Kyrie is resting. For Dallas to contend with teams like Boston in the playoffs, they’ll need to be at full strength.

#8 – Transition offense after rebounds

The Celtics’ urgency on offense was evident last night. After every rebound, they pushed the ball quickly toward the Mavericks’ basket. Live rebounds turned into easy points through smart ball movement and early offense.

It’s rare to see the Celtics playing with this level of pace after rebounds—even after made baskets. By initiating offense quickly, they prevented the Mavericks from setting up their defense, overcoming Dallas’ efforts to stifle Boston’s half-court game.

#9 – Taking care of the ball

In the first half, the Celtics didn’t commit a single turnover. This discipline eliminated Dallas’ ability to capitalize in transition and create easy scoring opportunities. Missing their primary playmaker and offensive engine, the Mavericks struggled to compensate.

Dallas attempted to make up for this deficit with offensive rebounding and fast-break opportunities after misses, but the Celtics’ half-court defense was sharp. The Mavericks managed a dismal 84 offensive rating in these situations.

By protecting the ball, the Celtics effectively neutralized Dallas’ best chance to stay competitive without Luka Dončić.

#10 – Ballers’ duel: Kyrie and the Jays

Sometimes, analysis takes a backseat to sheer enjoyment. Last night’s offensive performances from Kyrie Irving and the Jays were a joy to watch. I’ve compiled a highlight reel of their best moves: