Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks was an exciting matchup that saw the Celtics dominate with a final score of 107-89. Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 22 points, while Kristaps Porzingis made a strong return after being sidelined for over a month, contributing 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks off the bench.
The Celtics came out firing on all cylinders, building a commanding 29-point lead in the first half. Their offensive prowess was on full display as they connected on 16 three-pointers, showcasing their outside shooting ability. They also attacked the interior of the Dallas defense and capitalized with several dunks, displaying their versatility on offense.
On the other hand, the Mavericks struggled to find offensive consistency beyond Luka Doncic, who had an impressive performance with 30 points. However, Doncic didn’t receive much support from his teammates, as Dallas totaled just nine assists on their 35 field goals for the game. This lack of offensive cohesion hindered their ability to mount a comeback and bridge the gap with Boston.
Former Celtic Kyrie Irving had a forgettable night, finishing with just 12 points. Irving faced a hostile crowd as he was booed throughout the game due to his past conflicts with Boston fans. The tension between Irving and the fans stemmed from a previous playoff visit to TD Garden where he engaged in a verbal exchange and was subsequently fined for using an obscene gesture.
Despite the Celtics’ 10-day layoff since sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, they showed no signs of rust. The team displayed tremendous energy throughout the game, sharing the ball effectively in the halfcourt and finding open shooters for three-point opportunities. Their strong performance in Game 1 reflects their desire to capture their first championship since 2008.
Dallas briefly held a one-point lead in the first quarter before being overwhelmed by Boston’s offensive onslaught. The Celtics responded with an impressive 44-16 run, resulting in a commanding 58-29 lead in the second quarter. However, the Mavericks made a valiant effort to claw their way back into the game, going on a 35-14 run fueled by Doncic’s 15 points. This surge cut Boston’s lead to 72-64, providing a glimmer of hope for Dallas. Nevertheless, the Celtics closed out the third quarter with a 14-2 run, effectively extinguishing any chance of a Mavericks comeback.
One notable aspect of the game was Porzingis’ return from injury. Coming off a strained right calf that sidelined him for ten games, Porzingis made an immediate impact off the bench. Displaying no signs of rust, he contributed 18 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, showcasing his scoring ability both inside and outside the paint. Additionally, Porzingis made his presence felt on the defensive end with two blocks and three rebounds.
Overall, the Celtics’ dominant performance in Game 1 sets the tone for the NBA Finals. Their offensive firepower combined with their stifling defense proved to be too much for the Mavericks to handle. Dallas will need to regroup and find a way to establish offensive consistency beyond Doncic if they hope to make a comeback in the series. As for Boston, they have taken the first step towards their goal of securing an 18th NBA title.
