The Boston Celtics secured a commanding 107-89 victory against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the NBA Finals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Thursday. This win gives the Celtics a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The game featured intriguing matchups as key players faced their former teammates. Kyrie Irving, who played for the Celtics between 2017 and 2019, went head-to-head with Kristaps Porzingis, a former Maverick from 2019 to 2022. Porzingis had been sidelined during the Eastern Conference semifinals and Finals due to injury but was cleared to play in Thursday's opener. Instead of starting, he took the court off the bench.
Porzingis made a significant impact, becoming one of the Celtics' top performers by shooting 8-for-13 from the field, tallying 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in just 20 minutes. The Mavericks attempted to neutralize his effectiveness by switching defensive assignments, but Porzingis rose above his defenders, many of whom were smaller in stature, to make crucial jumpers. His efforts were instrumental in the Celtics building a substantial 29-point lead (58-29) in the second quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game and showcasing the momentum he helped create.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on June 6: Readier Celtics smash Mavs in Finals opener
cgtn.com
