BOSTON — Kristaps Porzingis made a triumphant return from a 10-game absence, scoring 20 points off the bench to help the Boston Celtics secure a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at TD Garden.
Game Highlights:
- Porzingis’ Impact: Returning from a right calf strain, Porzingis shot 8-for-13 from the field, adding six rebounds and three blocks. His performance set the tone early, lifting the Celtics to a strong start.
- Celtics’ Dominance: Boston built a commanding lead, going up by 29 points late in the first half. Despite a third-quarter surge by Dallas, the Celtics maintained control.
Dallas’ Rally and Celtics’ Response:
- Doncic’s Effort: Luka Doncic led the Mavericks’ comeback attempt, scoring 10 points during a 22-9 run in the third quarter. His 3-pointer cut the deficit to 72-64 with 4:28 remaining in the frame.
- Celtics’ Counter: Boston responded with a 14-0 run, reestablishing a 22-point lead. Daniel Gafford’s free throws closed the third quarter with Dallas trailing by 20 points.
Key Performances:
- Celtics: Jaylen Brown led with 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Jayson Tatum contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Derrick White added 15 points.
- Mavericks: Doncic finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds. P.J. Washington scored 14 points, Jaden Hardy added 13, and Kyrie Irving, met with boos throughout the night, chipped in 12 points.
Historic First Quarter:
- Record Lead: The Celtics’ 37-20 lead after the first quarter marked the largest lead ever built in the opening quarter of Game 1 in NBA Finals history.
- Continued Pressure: Boston extended their lead to 58-29 with 4:11 left in the second quarter before Doncic helped Dallas reduce the gap to 63-42 by halftime.
Next Game:
- Game 2: The Celtics and Mavericks will face off again in Boston on Sunday for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.