The Boston Celtics kicked off the 2024 NBA Finals with a bang, securing a solid win over the Dallas Mavericks this Thursday. It was a dream start for the Celtics as they zoomed ahead with a commanding 23-5 run in the final six minutes of the first quarter, setting the pace for the rest of the game. Their defense was a nightmare for Dallas, holding the Western champs to a mere 42 points by halftime — their second-lowest in this postseason.
Despite a brief scare in the third quarter where Luka Doncic and his team narrowed the gap to just a few points, the Celtics maintained control. Doncic racked up 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but his lone assist highlighted a tough night distributing the ball. Jaylen Brown topped Boston’s scoring with 22 points, and a standout performance from Kristaps Porzingis, fresh off a calf injury, added 20 points and swatted three shots, boosting the team’s morale and defense.
As we gear up for Game 2 on Sunday, here’s what caught the eye of our NBA experts from the series opener:
Defensive Dexterity Marks Boston’s Game Plan Tim Bontemps noted Boston’s strategic defense against Dallas, particularly their ability to handle Kyrie Irving, who struggled with a 6-for-19 shooting night. By not doubling up on Dallas stars, Boston kept the Mavericks’ support crew quiet, particularly P.J. Washington.
Boston Doesn’t Need Tatum’s Best to Triumph Marc Spears pointed out that even on an off night for Jayson Tatum, who scored just 16 points with six turnovers, the Celtics have enough firepower to dominate. This depth could be pivotal as the series progresses, especially with Porzingis back in action.
Three-Pointers Could Tip the Scales Kevin Pelton emphasized Boston’s focus on the three-point game. The Celtics not only doubled Dallas’ three-point attempts in the first half but also managed to shut down their corner shots, a usual strength for the Mavericks.
Porzingis Makes a Mighty Comeback Porzingis’ return was nothing short of spectacular, influencing both ends of the court. His presence was immediately felt, from stretching the floor with his shooting to blocking critical shots. The energy he brought to the TD Garden was electric, nearly lifting the roof with excitement.
Adjustments Dallas Needs for Game 2 To rebound in Game 2, the Mavericks need more from Irving and better ball movement. Dallas had only nine assists, a stark contrast to their usual teamwork. Getting Irving and Doncic to synergize better could turn the tides for Dallas.
Series Predictions Remain Optimistic Despite Boston’s strong start, our experts still foresee a competitive series. Bontemps sticks with his six-game prediction for a Celtics win, while Spears and Pelton see potential for a full seven-game thriller, especially if Porzingis continues to impact the games as he did in Game 1.
