Kristaps Porzingis was happy to be back on the court, and his play helped lead the Boston Celtics to a 107-89 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Porzingis hadn’t been on the basketball court since being injured in the series against the Miami Heat, but he helped Boston regain its rhythm after blowing a 22-point lead and cutting the Mavericks to within eight in the third quarter.
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Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) celebrates a three-point shot near Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
He came off the bench and finished with 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks, making 8 of 13 field goals in 21 minutes.
The former Mavericks player was uncertain about whether he would be 100% for Game 1 after missing the game with a right calf strain, but he was able to showcase his versatility and add another positive element to the Celtics’ offense.
He also made an electrifying block on Mavericks guard Josh Green.
Jaylen Brown, who shut down the Mavericks in the third quarter, scored a team-high 22 points. He also had six rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists in the win.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (right) drives to the basket while being defended by Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Jayson Tatum had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Mavericks couldn’t make a 3-point shot as Boston’s defense stifled Dallas for most of the game, and the team had just nine assists on 35 shots.
Luka Doncic led the team with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks’ five-game playoff winning streak on the road came to an end.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives with the ball while Boston Celtics center Al Horford (left) and forward Jayson Tatum (right) defend during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night at 8pm ET.
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