Boston Celtics Dominate Dallas Mavericks in NBA Finals Opener

Game 1 Highlights

The Boston Celtics opened the 2024 NBA Finals with a resounding 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Kristaps Porzingis, returning from a calf injury, led the Celtics with 20 points, including 18 in the first half.

The Celtics' depth proved too much for the Mavericks, as they got contributions from all over the roster. Jayson Tatum added 19 points, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 18. Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with 24 points, but he was largely ineffective, shooting just 8-of-22 from the field.

Key Takeaways

• Porzingis' return was a huge boost for the Celtics, providing them with a much-needed scoring option in the frontcourt.
• The Mavericks' offense struggled to find a rhythm, especially in the second half.
• The Celtics' defense was suffocating, holding the Mavericks to just 89 points on 38% shooting.

Analysis

The Celtics' victory was a statement to the rest of the league. They showed that they are a legitimate contender for the championship, even with Porzingis still recovering from injury.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, have some work to do. They need to find a way to get more production from their supporting cast and improve their defense if they want to compete with the Celtics.

Looking Ahead

Game 2 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Sunday, June 9th, in Dallas. The Mavericks will need to play better if they want to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.