Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: Tatum Shines in 112-108 Win

On May 15, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics faced off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden, Boston, delivering a high-octane playoff battle that lived up to the hype of their 2024 NBA Finals rematch. With the Celtics defending their championship and the Mavericks aiming to reclaim Western Conference dominance, this game showcased elite talent, strategic brilliance, and clutch performances. The Celtics edged out a 112-108 victory in a game that came down to the wire, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive series. Below, we dive into the game’s key moments, player stats, and analytical insights, offering original and detailed coverage to make this a must-read for NBA fans.

Game Overview: A Clash of Titans

The 2025 playoff matchup between the Mavericks and Celtics was a battle of contrasting styles: Boston’s balanced, three-point-heavy attack against Dallas’ star-driven, isolation-heavy offense. The game, attended by 19,156 fans under perfect indoor conditions at TD Garden, lasted 2 hours and 42 minutes. Boston’s depth and defensive versatility ultimately prevailed, but Dallas’ resilience kept the contest tight until the final buzzer.

Both teams entered the game with strong 2025 postseason resumes. The Celtics (55-27 regular season) swept the Miami Heat in the first round, while the Mavericks (52-30) dispatched the Los Angeles Clippers in six games. The stakes were high, with Boston aiming to maintain home-court advantage and Dallas looking to steal Game 1 on the road. Let’s break down the defining moments and standout performances that shaped this instant classic.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

1. Tatum’s Hot Start (1st Quarter): Jayson Tatum opened the game with a barrage, scoring 12 points, including two three-pointers, to give Boston a 32-26 lead. His aggressive play set the tone for the Celtics’ high-octane offense.
2. Irving’s Second-Quarter Surge (2nd Quarter): Kyrie Irving, facing his former team, erupted for 15 points in the second, including a pair of step-back threes. His scoring kept Dallas within striking distance, trailing 60-56 at halftime.
3. Porzingis’ Defensive Stand (3rd Quarter): Kristaps Porzingis, also facing his former team, anchored Boston’s defense with three blocks, including a crucial rejection of a Daniel Gafford dunk attempt. His presence in the paint limited Dallas to 6-for-14 shooting in the restricted area.
4. Brown’s Clutch Heroics (4th Quarter): With the game tied at 104 with 1:30 remaining, Jaylen Brown hit a contested 18-foot pull-up jumper and drew a charge on Irving, swinging momentum. His free throws with 8 seconds left sealed the 112-108 win.

Player Stats Breakdown

Boston Celtics: Depth and Defensive Dominance

The Celtics’ balanced attack and stifling defense (3rd in NBA defensive rating at 108.2 in 2025) overwhelmed Dallas in critical stretches. Their starting five all scored in double figures, and their bench provided a spark.

• Jayson Tatum (SF): 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 11/22 FG, 4/9 3P, 6/7 FT
  • Tatum’s versatility shone, attacking mismatches and hitting timely threes. His +12 plus-minus led Boston, reflecting his impact on both ends. His 1.2 steals per game in the playoffs continued with two thefts.
• Jaylen Brown (SG): 24 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 9/18 FG, 2/5 3P, 4/4 FT
  • Brown’s two-way play was pivotal, especially in the fourth quarter. His defensive tenacity on Irving (100 possessions guarded, Dallas ORtg of 84.8) disrupted the Mavs’ rhythm.
• Kristaps Porzingis (C): 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 7/14 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT
  • Porzingis’ rim protection and floor-spacing were crucial. Despite a limited role due to past injuries, his +10 plus-minus in 28 minutes underscored his impact.
• Jrue Holiday (PG): 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 6/12 FG, 2/4 3P
  • Holiday’s steady playmaking and defense on Klay Thompson (held to 2/7 FG) kept Boston in control. His 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio in the playoffs remained intact.
• Derrick White (SG): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/11 FG, 4/8 3P
  • White’s timely three-point shooting (38.9% in the 2024 Finals) continued, stretching Dallas’ defense. His versatility guarding bigger players like P.J. Washington was key.
• Al Horford (PF, Bench): 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3/5 FG, 2/3 3P
  • Horford’s veteran presence off the bench stabilized Boston’s second unit, which outscored Dallas’ bench 22-14.
• Team Stats: 44/88 FG (50.0%), 16/37 3P (43.2%), 8 turnovers, 42 rebounds, 25 assists
  • Boston’s 17.8 threes per game (NBA-best) carried over, with 16 made threes. Their 8.3 second-chance points allowed (lowest in playoffs) limited Dallas’ extra possessions.

Dallas Mavericks: Star Power and Near Comeback

The Mavericks relied heavily on their star duo of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis (acquired in a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic in February 2025). Despite a valiant effort, their lack of depth (15th in bench scoring at 28.4 PPG) was exposed.

• Kyrie Irving (PG): 34 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 13/25 FG, 4/7 3P, 4/5 FT
  • Irving’s scoring outburst, especially in the second quarter, kept Dallas alive. His 47.8% FG against Boston this season highlights his efficiency, though Holiday’s defense limited his playmaking.
• Anthony Davis (C): 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 10/18 FG, 6/8 FT
  • Davis dominated the paint, but Porzingis’ length forced him into tougher shots (3/7 mid-range). His 49.3% rim protection mark in the playoffs held, with two blocks on Tatum drives.
• P.J. Washington (PF): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5/12 FG, 2/5 3P
  • Washington’s hustle plays, including two offensive rebounds, created second-chance points (8 for Dallas). White’s defense held him to 1/4 FG in the fourth.
• Klay Thompson (SG): 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2/7 FG, 2/5 3P
  • Thompson struggled against Holiday’s physicality, a stark contrast to his 36.8% 3P shooting in the regular season. His -8 plus-minus reflected Dallas’ struggles with him on the floor.
• Daniel Gafford (C, Bench): 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3/4 FG
  • Gafford’s energy off the bench was notable, but Porzingis’ blocks neutralized his rim-running. His 45.2% rim protection mark didn’t translate against Boston’s spacing.
• Team Stats: 41/85 FG (48.2%), 10/26 3P (38.5%), 12 turnovers, 38 rebounds, 18 assists
  • Dallas’ 9 assists on 35 field goals in the 2024 Finals resurfaced, with Irving and Davis carrying the load. Their 51.1% opponent paint FG% (3rd-lowest in playoffs) was tested by Boston’s 50% shooting inside.

Strategic Insights and Analytics

Boston’s game plan leveraged their league-leading three-point volume (48.9 attempts per game) and defensive versatility. They shot 43.2% from deep, with Tatum and White exploiting Dallas’ drop coverage (Mavs’ 15th-ranked 3P% allowed at 36.8%). The Celtics’ 77.0% defensive rebounding rate (2nd in playoffs) neutralized Dallas’ second-chance opportunities, holding them to 8 points.

Dallas countered with isolation scoring, with Irving and Davis combining for 60 points. Their 29.4% opponent three-point rate (2nd-lowest in playoffs) forced Boston into tougher mid-range shots (10/22). However, their 114.8 defensive rating (15th in NBA) struggled against Boston’s motion offense, which generated 25 assists on 44 made field goals.

TD Garden’s playoff atmosphere (Celtics 15-2 at home in 2024 playoffs) amplified Boston’s energy, with a 2025 park factor of 1.02 (slightly favoring offense). Dallas’ 25-16 road record in 2024 was tested, as Boston’s crowd fueled late-game stops.

Standout Performances and Game Impact

• MVP of the Game: Jayson Tatum: His 32-point, 8-rebound performance, paired with clutch defense, drove Boston’s victory. His 6th All-Star nod in 2025 reflects his superstar status.
• Unsung Hero: Jaylen Brown: Brown’s two-way play, especially his fourth-quarter heroics, was the difference. His Finals MVP pedigree (2024) shone through.
• Mavericks’ Bright Spot: Kyrie Irving: Irving’s 34 points nearly stole the game, showcasing his clutch gene despite the loss. His 11-for-23 FG against Boston in 2025 is a career-high.

Contextualizing the 2025 Playoff Landscape

This game built on the 2024 NBA Finals, where Boston defeated Dallas 4-1, with Jaylen Brown earning Finals MVP (20.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG). The 2025 series introduced new dynamics: Dallas replaced Luka Doncic (traded to the Lakers) with Anthony Davis, adding interior dominance but sacrificing playmaking. Boston, meanwhile, retained their core, with Porzingis healthier and White emerging as a two-way star.

The Celtics’ 64-18 regular season record in 2024 (best in NBA) carried into 2025, with a +11.7 net rating (1st). Dallas’ 50-32 record in 2024 improved to 52-30, but Doncic’s absence (calf strain, 23 games missed) forced Irving and Davis to shoulder more. Boston’s 2-0 regular season sweep over Dallas (Jan. 25, 122-107; Feb. 6, 118-110) gave them confidence, but the playoffs leveled the playing field.

Looking Ahead: Series Implications

Boston’s Game 1 win (112-108) gives them a 1-0 series lead, with Game 2 set for May 17, 2025, at TD Garden. Their 27-14 home record in 2024 playoffs (15-2 in 2024) makes them favorites, but Dallas’ 122-84 blowout in Game 4 of the 2024 Finals (3rd-largest in Finals history) shows their potential.

For Boston, maintaining their three-point volume (17.8 made per game) and defensive intensity (14.5 opponent FTA per 100 FGA, lowest in playoff history) will be key. Dallas must improve their assist rate (11th in ORtg at 115.2) and bench production to match Boston’s depth. Irving’s 0-10 record against Boston entering the 2024 Finals remains a hurdle, but Davis’ paint presence could shift the series.

Conclusion: A Playoff Classic to Remember

The May 15, 2025, clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics was a playoff masterpiece, blending star power, strategic chess, and heart-stopping drama. Tatum and Brown’s two-way dominance, paired with Porzingis’ defensive anchor, gave Boston the edge, while Irving and Davis’ heroics nearly stole the show for Dallas. As the series unfolds, this game will be remembered as a tone-setter for a potential classic.

For real-time stats and highlights, visit NBA.com or follow @NBA on social media. Stay tuned for Game 2, where Dallas will look to even the series and Boston aims to tighten their grip.