The Boston Celtics made a powerful statement in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, securing a dominant 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on Thursday night.
Kristaps Porzigis, returning from an injury that had sidelined him since late April, played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ win.
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Porziis scored 18 points in the 1st half
Porzigis, who came off the bench, showcased his skill and resilience by scoring 20 points, grabbing six rebounds, and blocking three shots in just 21 minutes of action.
His impact was felt immediately, as he contributed 18 points in the first half alone, helping the Celtics build a nearly 29-point lead that proved insurmountable for the Mavericks.
“That’s the KP that helped us get to where we are today,”Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
“It doesn’t matter how long the guy is off, he’s going to make plays.”
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 22 points, while Luka Doncic topped all scorers with 30 points and 10 rebounds for Dallas.
Despite Doncic’s efforts, the Mavericks struggled to close the gap after the Celtics’ explosive start.
Boston’s first-half performance was marked by a 17-5 surge in the closing minutes of the first quarter, during which Porzigis went 4 for 5 from the field, scored 11 points, blocked two shots, and grabbed three rebounds.
The Celtics ended the quarter with a 37-20 lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
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The Celtics’ postseason run has been remarkable, with the team now boasting eight straight victories and having won every Game 1 in this playoff series.
Their success has been driven by strong team performances and timely contributions from key players like Porzigis, who averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in the regular season.
Porzigis’ return was highly anticipated, and his ability to perform at such a high level after a 10-game hiatus is a testament to his preparation and skill.
“I have to feel confident. I don’t want to go out there and be thinking about something,” Porzigis said.
“Once I’m out there, it has to be full focus on trying to play the best basketball I can and help this team.”
The Mavericks, making their first NBA Finals appearance since their championship win in 2011, face an uphill battle.
Doncic and Kyrie Irving are capable of turning the series around, but they will need to regroup quickly.
Sunday’s Game 2 in Boston is crucial for Dallas to prevent the series from slipping away early.
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