Kristaps Porzingis was actually joyful to be again on the court docket and his play helped elevate the Boston Celtics to a Game 1 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, 107-89.
Porzingis hadn’t stepped onto the basketball court docket since he was injured in the group’s sequence towards the Miami Heat. He helped Boston soar out to a 22-point lead and get again right into a rhythm in the third quarter when the Mavericks lower their deficit to eight factors.
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Boston Celtics heart Kristaps Porzingis (8) celebrates a 3-pointer, close to Dallas Mavericks heart Daniel Gafford (21) through the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
After beginning the sport on the bench, he completed with 20 factors and added six rebounds and three blocks to his whole. He was 8-of-13 from the sphere in 21 minutes of motion.
Porzingis, who was as soon as a member of the Mavericks, wasn’t certain he was going to be 100% going into Game 1 after being out with a strained proper calf, however confirmed off his versatility and was ready so as to add the additional X-factor to the Celtics’ offense.
He additionally had an electrical block on Mavericks guard Josh Green.
Jaylen Brown, who helped lock down the Mavericks in the third quarter, completed with a team-high 22 factors. He had six rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists in the win.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, proper, drives towards the basket as Dallas Mavericks ahead P.J. Washington defends through the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Jayson Tatum performed his half with 19 factors and 11 rebounds.
The Mavericks didn’t see their 3-pointers fall as Boston’s protection was stifling Dallas for many of the evening. The group solely had 9 whole assists on 35 made photographs.
Luka Doncic led the best way with 30 factors and 10 rebounds. Kyrie Irving added 12 factors, three rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks had a five-game highway playoff profitable streak snapped.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, drives with the ball as Boston Celtics heart Al Horford, left, and ahead Jayson Tatum, proper, defend through the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Game 2 is about for Sunday evening at 8 p.m. ET.
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