Celtics Defeat Mavericks 107-89 To Win Game 1

Kristaps Porzingis Drops 20 Points In Return From Calf Injury

Boston Takes Early Lead in NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics blew out the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. The Celtics led by as many as 25 points in the first half and never trailed. Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Celtics lineup for the first time since suffering a calf injury in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He finished with 20 points, including 18 in the first half.

The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, and Marcus Smart had 21 points and 10 assists. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 20 points, but he was just 6-of-18 from the field. Spencer Dinwiddie added 17 points, and Dorian Finney-Smith had 15 points.

The Celtics took control of the game in the first half. They shot 55.6% from the field and held the Mavericks to 38.5% shooting. The Celtics also outrebounded the Mavericks 27-14. Porzingis was a big factor in the Celtics' strong start. He hit two 3-pointers and scored eight points in the first quarter.

The Mavericks made a run in the third quarter, cutting the Celtics' lead to 10 points. But the Celtics responded with a 14-2 run to put the game away. Tatum and Brown each hit a 3-pointer during the run, and Smart added a layup.

The Celtics' victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 will be played in Boston on Sunday.

In the end, the Celtics were too much for the Mavericks. They shot the ball well, played tough defense, and got big contributions from their stars. The Mavericks will need to play better in Game 2 if they want to even the series.