The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 105-98 on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals series.

A 32-point triple-double from Luka Doncic was not enough to get the Mavericks over the line in Boston, as Dallas were left to rue a miserable night from both the free-throw line and beyond the arc.

The visitors shot just 66 per cent from the free-throw line and 23 per cent from three-point range, with Doncic the only Maverick to score more than 17 points.

Boston were also below their best from deep, and a string of misses to start the game allowed the Mavericks to get off to a strong start.

However, the Celtics began to find their groove in the second quarter and turned a three-point half-time lead into a nine-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Boston were then able to keep the Mavericks at bay in the final period, led by 26 points from Jrue Holiday.

Game three is scheduled to take place in Dallas on Wednesday, with Boston two wins away from raising their 18th NBA championship banner.