In Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-89, led by the dominant performance of Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, who came off the bench for the first time in his career due to a calf strain injury, scored 18 points in the first half and finished the game with 20 points and three blocks. He energized the home crowd and helped the Celtics pull away to a 29-point lead in the first half.
Although Luka Doncic scored 30 points for the Mavericks, he was held to a playoff career-low one assist, and the team as a whole struggled offensively. The Mavericks scored just 89 points, their lowest of the postseason, and were held to only nine total team assists. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s individual defense, which helped limit the Mavericks’ offensive production and secure the Game 1 victory.
Kyrie Irving, facing his former team, struggled throughout the game and was held to just 12 points on 6-for-19 shooting. Irving, who previously played for the Celtics before leaving in a controversial manner, has now lost 11 consecutive games to his former team. Despite the loss, Irving remained composed and focused on the task at hand, acknowledging the crowd’s attempts to distract him.
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have consistently fallen short of winning a championship in recent years. With the addition of Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the team feels confident heading into the Finals. Porzingis’ return and impressive performance in Game 1 give Boston a significant advantage, as he poses a matchup problem for the Mavericks and provides depth for the Celtics’ roster. Brown praised Porzingis’ impact on the team and his ability to exploit mismatches.
As the series progresses, the Celtics appear to be in a strong position to secure their 18th championship. With a healthy roster and key players stepping up, Boston looks poised to overcome any challenges posed by the Mavericks. Porzingis’ return from injury and standout performance in Game 1 may be the key to the Celtics’ success in the Finals, as they aim to finally capture the title that has eluded them for so many years.
While it is still early in the series, the Celtics’ Game 1 victory has set the tone for what could be a mismatched Finals. With Porzingis leading the charge and the team playing strong defense, Boston is well-positioned to make a deep run and potentially secure the championship. As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the Celtics as they look to make history and bring home another title to Boston.
