Game 1 is in the books!
In a game that could set the tone for the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 89-107.
It was business as usual for the Celtics as they looked dominant throughout the contest behind the play of Jaylen Brown, who led the team with 22 points.
Here are some takeaways from Game 1 for both teams.
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Kristaps Porzingis
Everything worked for the Celtics throughout Game 1. They took complete control of the match, taking a massive 29-point lead in the first half behind a strong 1st quarter from returning center Kristaps Porzingis.
Pozingis, who played in his first game since round one of the NBA Playoffs, scored 20 points off the bench to give the Celtics the edge opening the series.
Through the build-up to the Finals, many people believed a healthy Porzingis would be the ultimate X-Factor, and he showed exactly that with his lethal combination of scoring and shot-blocking.
Comeback Denied
Things seemed over for the Dallas Mavericks until Luka Doncic led the mid-game comeback after the team was down as much as 29 points.
The Mavericks cut the deficit to eight points in the third quarter before ultimately falling to the Boston Celtics, who went on a 14-2 run giving the Celtics a 20-point lead late to take Game 1.
The Dallas Mavericks are no strangers to playing behind. However, they can't afford to play against this good of a Celtics team like this.
Luka Magic
(Photo : Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Doncic finished the contest with 30 points and 10 rebounds; he shot 4 for 12-three-point territory and had only one assist.
The Celtics threw the kitchen sink at Luka in an effort to slow him down. However, they were unsuccessful in their efforts to stop the superstar, but did halt the other playmakers on Dallas, which is something the Mavericks must consider when planning for Game 2.
Kyrie Irving
From Doncic to Irving, Kyrie couldn't get it going in Game 1. Irving only scored 12 points on 6 for 19 shooting and 0 for five from three-point territory in 36 minutes.
It's no secret that Irving and the Boston Celtics fans don't have the best relationship. The fully packed TD Garden let their feelings be known about the star point guard every time he touched the ball.
"Being in this environment, I'm used to it at this point. Early in my career, I had a different relationship with Boston," Irving said during post game interviews .
"Just being able to come here and be settled with a veteran group. Now I'm here as the veteran. Over the past few years, just experiencing the playoffs here, even the regular season, it's been the same thing," he added.
In a game as meaningful as the Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Irving needed to drown out the noise and play to the level he is capable of; as it's expected that Kyrie Irving will be looking to have a comeback performance in Game 2.
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