When the Dallas Mavericks bought right into a scoring drought, they went to an surprising supply: Derrick Jones Jr.
The Celtics went on a 9-0 result in take a 36-35 lead within the second quarter whereas holding the Mavericks scoreless for four-and-a-half minutes. Then it was Jones’ time.
First, Jones hustled for an offensive rebound off a Josh Inexperienced miss, then discovered Inexperienced for a layup together with his first help of the sport. Then, Luka Doncic discovered him for a layup with a spectacular behind-the-back cross.
Jones adopted that up with an instance of the primary motive he is within the beginning lineup for Dallas: Protection. He harassed Jayson Tatum into almost shedding the ball within the backcourt, then swiped his save try and took it in for an and-one.
Whereas he solely completed the primary half with seven factors and two assists, that is actually extra offensive manufacturing than the Mavericks anticipated from Jones, who helped maintain the Celtics to 54 first-half factors. However they will want him to pose an outdoor taking pictures three as an alternative of simply scoring on the rim: Boston is ignoring Jones on the perimeter to ship further assistance on Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
However his alley-oop, which is the primary time the Mavs have even tried the play within the Finals, would possibly make up for his lack of spacing.
