After the Boston Celtics were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals last year, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens decided that the team needed some upgrades. He wanted more size, better interior defense, and variety on offense. When the opportunity to trade for Kristaps Porzingis arose, Stevens jumped at the chance. Despite having to part with Marcus Smart, the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, Stevens felt that adding Porzingis with his unique skill set was worth it. Porzingis’s presence on both ends of the court helped the Celtics have a record-breaking season, winning 64 games and finishing with the fifth-best scoring margin in league history.
In Game 1 of the finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Porzingis had a standout performance, scoring 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, along with six rebounds and three blocks in just 21 minutes of play. He displayed a range of skills on offense, shooting over defenders, driving to the rim, and knocking down shots from deep. His impact was felt not just in his individual performance but in how he elevated the team as a whole. Porzingis’s return to the lineup after a calf injury proved to be a game-changer for the Celtics, setting the tone for the series.
Porzingis’s versatility on offense disrupted the Mavericks’ defensive strategy, forcing them to abandon their paint-packing scheme and adapt to his outside shooting threat. The Celtics were able to capitalize on the opportunities created by Porzingis, converting all 15 of their attempts at the rim and launching 42 three-pointers, hitting 16 of them. The Mavericks, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm on offense, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving shouldering most of the scoring load. The Celtics’ defensive game plan to contain the Mavericks’ stars paid off, limiting their assists and disrupting their offensive flow.
With Porzingis leading the charge, the Celtics built a substantial lead in the first half, only for the Mavericks to make a comeback in the third quarter, cutting the lead to eight points. However, the Celtics responded with a decisive 14-0 run to regain control of the game and secure the victory. Porzingis’s impactful performance, along with strong contributions from Jaylen Brown, helped the Celtics weather the storm and emerge victorious in Game 1 of the finals. The win put them in a strong position to pursue their 18th championship banner.
Overall, Porzingis’s return to the lineup proved to be a turning point for the Celtics in the finals, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court and elevating the team’s performance. His ability to disrupt the Mavericks’ defense with his outside shooting and interior presence set the tone for the series, while the Celtics executed their game plan to contain the Mavericks’ stars and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. The team’s resilience in responding to the Mavericks’ comeback in the third quarter demonstrated their ability to stay composed under pressure and make timely adjustments to secure the win.
