BOSTON – The result – and tenor – of one game in the NBA Finals does not always carry over into the next game.

The losing team makes changes and often plays with a better focus. Now, that doesn’t translate to a victory for the team that lost the previous game.

What can the Dallas Mavericks do better against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Finals with the Celtics up 1-0?

Defensively, the Mavs need to contain Boston’s 3-point shooting (not easy, that’s for sure), and offensively, the Mavs need better ball movement leading to better shots. One assist from Luka Doncic and nine team assists – that was the case in Game 1 – won’t suffice in this series. It starts with Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Here are odds and USA TODAY Sports staff predictions for Game 2:

NBA Finals Game 2 Mavericks-Celtics predictions

Scooby Axson, USA TODAY

Celtics 110, Mavericks 105

Heather Tucker, USA TODAY

Celtics 103, Mavericks 99

Dan Wolken, USA TODAY

Celtics 112, Mavericks 103

Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Celtics 111, Mavericks 107

(Series predictions from USA TODAY staffers)

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Why the Celtics will win Game 2

The Celtics just have too many options offensively and defensively, and forward Jayson Tatum is going to have a scoring outburst at some point during the Finals. The Celtics have a gameplan, executed well in Game 1. They seem to have a focus cut out for winning titles.

Why the Mavericks will win Game 2

The Mavs have responded to each playoff loss with a victory this season, and they are 3-0 on the road in Game 2s. And Boston has lost two Game 2s at home in April and May. Doncic and Irving will be better, which opens up opportunities for other players.

NBA Finals Game 2 odds Mavericks-Celtics

Odds via BetMGM:

Moneyline

Mavericks: +220

Celtics: -275

Spread

Celtics: -7.5

Over-under

Over 214.5: -115

Under 214.5: -105

How to watch Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Game 2 of Mavericks-Celtics is Sunday, June 9, on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.

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