A thrilling showdown between two NBA titans lit up the TD Garden on February 6, 2025. The Boston Celtics, known for their suffocating defense and dynamic wing play, faced off against the high-powered offensive arsenal of the Dallas Mavericks. The result? A gripping contest that saw the Mavericks roar back from a massive deficit to claim a 127–120 victory.
In this blog, we break down the entire match—player performances, key moments, and crucial stats—so you can relive every second of the action.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| 🗓 Date | February 6, 2025 |
| 🏟 Venue | TD Garden, Boston |
| ⏱ Full Time Score | Dallas Mavericks 127 – Boston Celtics 120 |
| 🏀 Game Type | NBA Regular Season |
| 📺 Broadcast | ESPN, NBA League Pass |
Starting Lineups
Boston Celtics Starters
- Jayson Tatum (SF)
- Jaylen Brown (SG)
- Kristaps Porziņģis (C)
- Derrick White (PG)
- Jrue Holiday (G)
Dallas Mavericks Starters
- Kyrie Irving (PG)
- Klay Thompson (SG)
- Daniel Gafford (C)
- P.J. Washington (PF)
- Dante Exum (SF)
Notably, Luka Dončić did not play due to a mild ankle sprain, but Dallas didn’t falter.
Player Stats – Top Performers
🟢 Boston Celtics
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Jaylen Brown | 32 | 25 | 5 | 2 | 56.3% | 75.0% | -15 |
| Jayson Tatum | 28 | 17 | 4 | 4 | 41.7% | 60.0% | -22 |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | 26 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 53.8% | 33.3% | -9 |
| Payton Pritchard | 32 | 21 | 6 | 6 | 60.0% | 33.3% | -3 |
| Derrick White | 25 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 44.4% | 50.0% | -5 |
Highlight: Payton Pritchard emerged as a spark plug off the bench, shooting confidently and contributing across the board with points, rebounds, and assists.
🔵 Dallas Mavericks
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Klay Thompson | 29 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 64.7% | 50.0% | +13 |
| Dante Exum | 19 | 15 | 0 | 5 | 62.5% | 66.7% | +29 |
| Kyrie Irving | 40 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 41.2% | 50.0% | 0 |
| Daniel Gafford | 34 | 8 | 15 | 5 | 75.0% | — | +8 |
| Josh Green | 20 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 66.7% | 50.0% | +14 |
Highlight: Klay Thompson turned back the clock with a classic performance—smooth off-the-dribble shots, transition threes, and efficient shooting. Dante Exum had a game-best +29 impact, showing elite court presence.
Comparative Team Stats
| Stat Category | Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks |
| Field Goal % | 51.3% | 55.7% |
| 3-Point % | 40.0% | 45.5% |
| Rebounds (Total) | 40 | 39 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Fast Break Points | 13 | 17 |
| Points in the Paint | 46 | 54 |
| Assists | 29 | 32 |
Key Takeaway: Dallas outshot Boston from both the field and beyond the arc, committed fewer turnovers, and shared the ball more effectively.
Key Game Highlights
1️⃣ First Half Dominance
Boston came out strong. Led by Jaylen Brown and Porziņģis, they created an early 17-point cushion. Their transition defense held, and their ball movement looked fluid.
2️⃣ Dallas Mavericks’ Resurgence
The momentum completely shifted mid-way through the third quarter. Dante Exum and Klay Thompson went on a combined 18-point tear in under 5 minutes. Daniel Gafford dominated the glass, denying Boston second-chance opportunities.
3️⃣ Fourth Quarter Clutch
With under 6 minutes left, Boston narrowed the margin to 5 points. However, Kyrie Irving and Josh Green combined for two crucial plays—a steal and a fast-break 3-pointer—which sealed Boston’s fate.
Turning Points
- Klay’s 3rd Quarter Run: He scored 10 points in a two-minute burst, swinging the game.
- Dante Exum’s Assist Chain: He had 3 assists and a bucket in under 4 minutes—a clear difference-maker.
- Celtics’ Cold Spell: Boston missed 5 straight shots from mid-range in the final 3 minutes.
What This Game Tells Us
For the Mavericks:
- Depth Matters: Even without Luka, Dallas has weapons like Exum, Thompson, and Gafford stepping up.
- Balanced Offense: 6 players in double figures show team basketball at its finest.
- Defensive Adjustments: After giving up 65 in the first half, they allowed only 55 in the second.
For the Celtics:
- Bench Brilliance: Payton Pritchard is proving to be a vital second-unit leader.
- Too Many Turnovers: 14 TOs in a close game cost them dearly.
- Inconsistent Star Play: Tatum and Brown both had scoring bursts but couldn’t close out under pressure.
Final Score Recap
| Quarter | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Boston Celtics | 33 | 32 | 26 | 29 | 120 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 28 | 28 | 37 | 34 | 127 |
Looking Ahead
- The Celtics will aim to bounce back in their next home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
- The Mavericks ride momentum into a Western Conference clash with the Phoenix Suns.
Final Thoughts
This game showcased why the Mavericks remain a threat in the West: depth, experience, and clutch shooting. On the other hand, Boston’s inconsistent offense and reliance on starters remain talking points as they head toward the postseason.
If both teams meet in the playoffs again, expect fireworks.
