Derrick White breaks free for a crucial basket as Celtics dominate Game 1 against Mavs
In a commanding display at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics seized a 1-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals with a resounding 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics' charge with 22 points, complemented by Kristaps Porzingis' impressive return from injury off the bench, contributing 20 points and six rebounds. Porzingis, sidelined since April 29 due to a calf injury, showcased his impact with 18 first-half points, aiding Boston to establish a commanding lead.
Despite a commendable 30-point, 10-rebound performance by Luka Doncic in his NBA Finals debut, the Mavericks struggled to close the gap, trailing for the majority of the contest. Dallas faced a daunting 29-point deficit in the first half, with their attempts to narrow the margin thwarted by Boston's resilient defense.
A pivotal moment arrived in the third quarter when Dallas managed to cut the deficit to single digits at 72-64. However, the Celtics swiftly responded with a decisive 14-0 run, firmly securing their advantage.
The Mavericks' offensive struggles were evident as they managed just seven 3-pointers and nine assists as a team. Kyrie Irving's subpar performance added to Dallas' woes, shooting 6 for 19 from the field and failing to convert any of his five 3-point attempts.
Doncic's impressive debut, reminiscent of Tim Duncan's debut in 1999, marked him as the first player since Duncan to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in an NBA Finals debut.
Boston's depth was on full display, with six players reaching double figures. Jayson Tatum contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds to bolster the Celtics' formidable performance, further solidifying their Game 1 victory.
For the Mavericks, trailing 1-0 is a familiar position, with Doncic now holding a 2-6 record in Game 1s throughout his career. This setback echoes their series-opening losses against the Clippers and Thunder earlier in the playoffs.
NBA Finals Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night at TD Garden, where both teams will vie for a pivotal victory in this highly anticipated series.
