In Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics dominated the Dallas Mavericks, led by the impressive performance of Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, who had missed over a month due to a calf strain injury, came off the bench for the first time this season and scored 20 points in just 21 minutes of action. His offensive display, along with three blocked shots, energized the crowd and helped the Celtics pull away by as many as 29 points in the first half.
While Porzingis was the standout player of the game, the Celtics as a team played near-perfect basketball. Despite allowing a 28-point lead to shrink to just eight points in the second half, Boston’s defensive effort was key to their victory. Luka Doncic, who scored 30 points for the Mavericks, struggled to make an impact as he was held to a playoff career-low one assist. The Mavericks’ 89 points were their lowest of the postseason, and they were held to only nine total team assists.
An important moment in the game was Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston, where he was met with boos from the crowd. Irving, who previously played for the Celtics, scored just 12 points on 6-for-19 shooting and struggled throughout the game. It was Irving’s 11th consecutive loss to the Celtics, and he acknowledged the hostile environment but remained focused on the game.
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have been striving for an NBA championship for nearly a decade. With Porzingis and Jrue Holiday as key additions to the team, Boston feels poised to make a deep playoff run this year. Brown praised Porzingis for his monster game and emphasized the team’s depth and versatility as they look to compete for their 18th championship in franchise history.
Porzingis’ return from injury and impressive performance have given the Celtics a significant advantage in the series. His ability to score, defend, and create mismatches make him a difficult matchup for the Mavericks, who lack the depth to compete with Boston. Despite the early success in Game 1, the Celtics know they cannot take their foot off the gas and must continue to play at a high level to secure the championship.
As the series progresses, the Celtics will look to build on their Game 1 victory and maintain their momentum against the Mavericks. With Porzingis leading the charge, Boston appears to be in a strong position to make a deep playoff run and potentially secure another NBA championship. The upcoming games will be critical for both teams as they compete for the ultimate prize in professional basketball.
