Celtics 105, Mavericks 98: Brown Calls on Celtics Nation for Game 2

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points as Boston took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals

The Celtics will host the Mavericks in Game 2 on Monday night

The Boston Celtics took a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 105-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, while Jayson Tatum added 21 points and Marcus Smart chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds.

The Celtics were in control for most of the game, but the Mavericks made a late run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 98-95 with just over two minutes remaining.

However, Brown hit a jumper and Tatum made a free throw to push the lead back to six points, and the Celtics held on for the win.

After the game, Brown was asked about the Celtics' performance in front of their home crowd.

"It was a great atmosphere tonight," Brown said. "The crowd was really into it, and we fed off of their energy.

"We're going to need them again on Monday night," Brown added. "This is going to be a tough series, and we're going to need all the support we can get."

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Monday night at TD Garden.