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Porzingis Shines in Return for NBA Finals
Kristaps Porzingis made a triumphant return from injury, propelling the Boston Celtics to a commanding 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. The star forward, who had missed 10 games due to a right calf strain, made an immediate impact, energizing the home crowd at TD Garden.
Early Domination
The Celtics jumped to a 29-point lead in the first half, thanks to a relentless offensive and defensive effort. Porzingis, coming off the bench, scored 11 points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked two shots in the first quarter alone. Boston’s explosive start included seven three-pointers in the opening period, setting the tone for the game.
Boston’s Balanced Attack
Boston’s three-point shooting was pivotal, with the team sinking 16 out of 42 attempts. Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 22 points and showcased his defensive prowess with three blocks and three steals. Porzingis finished with 20 points, while Jayson Tatum added a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Mavericks’ Struggles
Despite Luka Doncic’s 30 points and 10 rebounds, the Mavericks couldn’t sustain their momentum. Doncic, hampered by a knee injury and a sore ankle, struggled with only one assist. Kyrie Irving was also limited to 12 points on 6-of-19 shooting.
Third-Quarter Resurgence
Dallas managed to cut the deficit to eight points in the third quarter, largely due to Doncic’s efforts. However, Boston responded with a decisive 14-0 run, featuring key plays from Porzingis and Brown, to extend their lead once again.
Key Moments
A significant moment in the game was when Brown blocked Derrick Jones Jr. and Irving, leading to crucial three-pointers by Tatum, Al Horford, and Brown. This sequence helped the Celtics end the third quarter with a 20-point lead.
Looking Ahead
Boston aims to build on their Game 1 success when they host the Mavericks again on Sunday. “First to four, we’ve got to focus on the next game,” Doncic emphasized, acknowledging the need to adjust their defense to counter Boston’s three-point shooting.
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