Kristaps Porzingis was very happy to be back on the court and his play helped lead the Boston Celtics to a Game 1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, 107-89.
Porzingis had not stepped foot on the basketball court since being injured in the team's series against the Miami Heat. He helped Boston take a 22-point lead and get back into rhythm in the third quarter as the Mavericks cut their deficit to eight points.
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Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) celebrates a three-pointer near Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Basketball Finals on Thursday, June 2024 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
After starting the game on the bench, he finished with 20 points and added six rebounds and three blocks to his total. He made 8 of 13 field goals in 21 minutes of action.
Porzingis, once a member of the Mavericks, wasn't sure he was 100% in Game 1 after being out with a right calf strain, but he showed his versatility and was able to add the extra X-factor. to the Celtics offense.
He also had an electric block on Mavericks guard Josh Green.
Jaylen Brown, who helped secure the Mavericks in the third quarter, finished with a team-high 22 points. He had six rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists in the win.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington defends during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Basketball Finals on Thursday, June 6 2024 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Jayson Tatum fulfilled his role with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Mavericks failed to see their three-pointers fall as Boston's defense stifled Dallas for most of the night. The team only had nine total assists on 35 made shots.
Luka Doncic led with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Kyrie Irving added 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks saw their five-game road winning streak snapped in the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives with the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford, left, and forward Jayson Tatum, right, defend during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. basketball on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night at 8 pm ET.
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