Three takeaways from Boston’s crushing 110-107 loss at Dallas

After a brilliant comeback in the final three minutes gave Boston the lead, a little bit of Luka magic ended any hope of a needed Celtics win.

Boston (15-16) fell on a Luka Doncic last-second step-back dagger that looked like a replay of past Doncic miraculous moments. Dallas improved to 15-15 with a 110-107 win that came thanks to their 2021 NBA All-Star.

From a back-and-forth start to a wild finish, here are three takeaways from the second straight Celtics loss:

The Celtics couldn't find enough offense outside of their top three scorers

Feb 23, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) passes the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, generating offense outside of Kemba Walker and the newly-selected pair of all-stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum was a struggle. While Brown, Tatum, and Walker combined for 78 of the 110 Boston points, no other Celtics player was in double figures. Rookie Aaron Nesmith did not attempt a shot in 22 minutes of action, while fellow rookie Payton Pritchard never got it going from deep.

Luka magic was on display again

Feb 23, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting the game-winning against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

There was absolutely nothing Boston could do with the last two Luka Doncic dagger threes. It was a movie we have seen before from the 21-year-old. Jaylen Brown went toe-to-toe with Doncic in the final minute as the two traded baskets. It was the Slovenian superstar who got the last laugh, draining a patented step-back three. There was little Boston could do on the final Doncic make: https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1364412616899231745

Dallas had more offensive threats overall

Feb 23, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While the Celtics relied heavily on the trio of Brown, Tatum, and Walker, the Mavericks had more threats available. Sure, Doncic led the way but it was the contribution of Jalen Brunson off the bench and solid stretches from Boban Marjanovic and Josh Richardson that were equally as important. Dallas finished with five players in double figures compared to Boston's three.

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