Game 1 of the NBA Finals saw Boston Celtics upset Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night. In his first game back after more than a month, Kristaps Porzingis scored 20 points, while Jaylen Brown scored 22 points. The Boston Celtics have won all eight of their previous games as well as every postseason Game 1 they have faced.
Derrick White ended with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and made 16 3-pointers in a strong start to their quest for an 18th NBA championship. Kristaps Porzingis, who had been out since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, grabbing six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics scored in double digits.
Dallas reduced the deficit to eight points in the third quarter, but Boston swiftly pulled away. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 30 points. P.J. Washington tallied 14 points and eight rebounds. However, Dallas struggled to establish offensive consistency after that, totaling only nine assists on 35 field goals for the game.
Kyrie Irving was struggling in the game
Despite his struggles throughout the game, Kyrie Irving finished with 12 points. When he was introduced before the game, he received a loud chorus of boos. He continued to do so every time he touched the ball throughout the game.
In 2022, Irving sparred with Boston fans and was fined for making an obscene gesture at the TD Garden during a playoff game. Following a 10-day break, the Celtics, who are vying for their first title since 2008, looked relatively unimpaired as they defeated the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.
They were full of enthusiasm throughout, distributing the ball in the halfcourt and passing it to shooters for open threes. They also targeted the interior of the Dallas Mavericks defence, scoring multiple dunks. It was part of Boston's 17-5 outburst in the last 5:24 of the quarter, during which Porzingis went 4 for 5 from the floor, scored 11 points, blocked two shots, and grabbed three rebounds. Boston had a 37-20 advantage into the second quarter.
I love my team so much ☘️🏆💚
— Mari 🌹 (@realmarirose) June 7, 2024
we are the best . Never let them win
— Az 🇸🇦 (@Az_Fhodi) June 7, 2024
Great return by Kristaps.
— Inside Hoops - NBA Playoffs (@InsideHoops) June 7, 2024
Game2 will be 🔥🔥
— Nayz Sports (@Nayz_Sports) June 7, 2024
— Chuy Vasquez (@loslonghorns) June 7, 2024
Let's go!!
— Ryan Avedisian (@RyanAvedisian1) June 7, 2024
3 MORE
— Jorge Flores (@joje_ff) June 7, 2024
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