The Boston Celtics kicked off the 2024 NBA Finals with a commanding 109-87 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, setting the tone for the series with a dominant performance at TD Garden.
The Celtics came out firing and used a blistering 23-5 run over the final six minutes of the first quarter to build a substantial lead that the Mavericks struggled to overcome. Boston’s defense was relentless, stifling Dallas and holding them to just 42 points in the first half, their second-lowest first-half total of the playoffs.
Jaylen Brown spearheaded Boston’s offensive charge with 22 points, including a series of explosive plays that kept the momentum firmly on the Celtics’ side. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis made a remarkable return from a calf injury that had sidelined him since the opening round of the playoffs. The 7-foot-3 center added 20 points and three blocks, showcasing his value on both ends of the court.
While the Mavericks tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits behind Luka Dončić’s impressive 30-point, 10-rebound effort, their offense sputtered against Boston’s suffocating defense. Dončić, who has been a playoff dynamo, was held to just one assist—a postseason career low—as the Celtics effectively neutralized Dallas’ supporting cast.
The Celtics’ balanced attack and tenacious defense provided the blueprint for their Game 1 victory. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s effort, particularly their ability to execute defensively against a high-powered Mavericks offense. “We played Celtics basketball tonight,” Mazzulla said post-game. “Everyone contributed, and we set the tone defensively, which was key.”
Boston’s ability to limit Dallas’ secondary options while exploiting their defensive weaknesses proved critical. Marcus Smart and Derrick White applied constant pressure on Dončić, while Jayson Tatum’s all-around performance bolstered Boston’s versatile attack.
As the series progresses, the Mavericks will need to find answers to Boston’s defensive schemes and get more production from players not named Luka Dončić. Game 2 on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, ABC) will be pivotal for Dallas as they look to bounce back and even the series before heading home.
For now, Boston holds the upper hand, with their Game 1 performance setting the stage for what could be a compelling and hard-fought NBA Finals.
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