Following their sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics hadn’t played in more than a week when Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks got underway. Game 1 was the first game for Boston’s Kristaps Porziņģis since he was hurt during the first-round victory over the Miami Heat.
But if there were any concerns about rust for either the Celtics or Porziņģis, they were quickly quieted.
Boston dominated Dallas in the first half of Game 1, opening up a 63-42 lead. The Celtics gained significant separation with a 9-0 run late in the first quarter. Porziņģis had a lot to do with that.
In one sequence, he made a deep three-pointer. On the other end, he not only blocked a shot from Kyrie Irving but secured the loose ball. He quickly dished the ball off to Jrue Holliday, who quickly brought the ball upcourt and found Sam Hauser in the corner for a three.
The Celtics go on a 9-0 run in under a minute. 🔥🔥🔥 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/5JcAMmLg6c
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 7, 2024
Porziņģis drilled another three-pointer late in the second quarter to put an exclamation point on an excellent first half.
Kristaps Porzingis has 18 points at halftime!
And the Celtics have a 63-42 lead over the Mavericks. 🏀🔥 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/a2dhxYHfGB
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 7, 2024
He finished the first half with 18 points, going 7-for-9 from the field, 2-for-3 on threes and 2-for-2 on free throws. Porziņģis added three rebounds and two blocked shots and was +15.
