2024 NBA Finals Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks

The opening game of the 2024 NBA Finals concluded just before 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, but in reality, the contest was effectively over shortly after the tip-off. The Boston Celtics, chasing their 18th franchise championship, took immediate control, overwhelming the Dallas Mavericks in a decisive 107-89 victory. The Celtics sent a clear message: they are here to dominate.

Kristaps Porzingis Shines in Return

In a triumphant return, Kristaps Porzingis, who had been inactive for 38 days due to a calf injury, received a hero’s welcome. His impact was immediate and profound. Porzingis scored 11 points and blocked three shots, including a dramatic chasedown swat of Josh Green, all within his first seven minutes on the court. His performance energized the team and the fans, proving he was more eager than rusty.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how good he looked,” remarked Al Horford.

For more details on Kristaps Porzingis’s influence, check out our article on the Turning Point.

Five Key Takeaways from Game 1

1. Celtics Stay Dominant

Boston continued their season-long dominance, extending their record to 77 wins in 97 games since October. Their formula of persistent shot-making, solid defense, and a deep rotation proved too much for Dallas. Impressively, they achieved this without a standout performance from Jayson Tatum, who had a modest 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Celtics’ depth shone through, making it difficult for the Mavericks to compete.

The Celtics’ defensive prowess was particularly notable, blocking five dunks or layup attempts and demoralizing the Mavericks in the process. Despite a brief scare when Dallas cut the lead to eight points in the third quarter, Boston responded with a 14-0 run to seal the game.

“They were good tonight,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “This is the best team in the NBA, and they play their style of basketball at a high rate. We have to be better.”

2. Doncic was One-Dimensional

The Celtics’ strategy to play Luka Doncic straight-up and force his teammates to make contested shots paid off. Boston’s defensive trio of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown limited Doncic’s playmaking, holding him to just one assist, his season low. The Mavericks struggled to generate open shots, resulting in a poor 7-for-27 performance from three-point range and their lowest postseason point total.

“We’ve got to move the ball,” Kidd emphasized. “The ball stuck too much.”

3. Celtics’ Love for the 3-Pointer

The Celtics’ reliance on three-pointers was both a strength and a potential weakness. They attempted 42 threes in Game 1, making 16 of them. This high-volume shooting stretches defenses and forces adjustments, but it can also lead to cold spells, as seen when they missed five consecutive threes on a single possession.

“We’ve got to take those threes away,” Doncic noted. “That’s what hurt us the most. They have five guys and they can all shoot.”

4. Mavericks Need More from Irving

Kyrie Irving, expected to thrive under the Finals’ spotlight, delivered a subdued performance with just 12 points and no made three-pointers. The Celtics’ crowd, still bitter about his controversial departure from Boston five years ago, took delight in his struggles. Irving’s difficulties in breaking through the Celtics’ defense and his inability to facilitate effectively were major setbacks for Dallas.

“It’s basketball at the end of the day,” Irving said. “I thought it was going to be a little louder in here.”

He acknowledged the need for personal accountability and better leadership moving forward.

5. Celtics Neutralize Dallas Bigs

The Celtics’ defensive strategy also neutralized Dallas’ big men, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Both players had been instrumental in the Mavericks’ playoff run but struggled in Game 1. Lively, a rookie, managed just five rebounds and two points while dealing with foul trouble. Gafford, also in his first Finals, echoed the sentiment of learning from this experience to improve in the next game.

“This is something we can learn from,” Gafford said.

Looking Ahead

As the series progresses, the Mavericks will need to make significant adjustments. Boston’s depth, defensive intensity, and shooting prowess present formidable challenges. However, if Doncic and Irving can find ways to break through the Celtics’ defense and involve their teammates more effectively, Dallas may still have a chance to rebound in the series. Game 2 will be crucial in determining if the Mavericks can adapt and respond to the Celtics’ dominance.

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