Shooting guard Jaylen Brown played a great game producing 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists as the Boston side played a dominant game and the Celtics continued their good run from the Eastern Conference NBA Finals. Brown’s effort proved decisive, as the Boston Celtics (65-18) secured their first win of the series against the Dallas Mavericks (50-33) 107-89 at home at TD Garden.
The last time these teams faced each other was earlier in the season on January 5th, 2023 when the Celtics were also victorious 124-95 to the Mavericks away from home at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks hoped to win `this time around, but again the Boston side played a dominant, offensive game and walked off the court victorious.
Celtics controlled the first half, Mavericks knocked on the door
The first half was very one-sided, as the Celtics led in the first quarter. The Pacers trailed by a few points staying in the game. The first quarter ended with the Celtics trailing by seventeen points as the quarter ended 37-20. For the Celtics, it was center Kristaps Porzingis who was racking up the points with 11 points and 3 rebounds. While for the Mavericks it was point guard Luka Donic with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The second quarter saw the Celtics staying in the lead and at the same time, the Pacers still fighting and staying in the game as the second quarter finished with the score only in the Celtics’ favor by four points, as the score was 26-22, but in the overall score, the Pacers trailed by one, 63-42. For the Celtics, shooting guard Jaylen Brown made all the difference as he put in 9 points and 1 rebound. While for the Mavericks, it was once again Donic who finished with 10 points and 1 rebound.
The second half didn’t prove any different, Celtics dominated winning the opening game of the series
The Mavericks fought hard, but the second half was all Celtics, the third-quarter score ended in the Maverick’s favor, 24-23, and the overall score had the Mavericks trailing by 20 points, at 86-66. Brown led the way for the Celtics, putting in 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist while for the Mavericks it was again Donic who put up 10 points and 6 rebounds.
The fourth quarter ended with the Celtics shooting the first blow in the NBA Finals series. The fourth quarter ended in Maverick’s favor 23-21, but the Celtics secured their first win of the NBA Finals with a final score of 107-89. The Pacers fought and had the lead, but couldn’t stop Boston’s offense, their fight was mostly in part due to the performances of Donic who finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. Brown was great for the Celtics as he contributed an impressive tally of 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Star of the Game
Point Guard Luka Donic is the NBA 2024 Finals Game 1 “Star of the Game” as he racked up a great 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Union Olimpija and Real Madrid product and 2018 NBA Draft1st round, 3rd overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks was the best player on the court, with his contributions, unfortunately, being insufficient and unable to give his side’s NBA Finals opening win. Donic is proud to have helped his team play a great game and contribute multiple points and assists, but he’s hoping he can have a different result next time around. Donic and company are hoping for another result to give joy and jubilation to the city of Dallas.
What’s Next?
The Celtics will now look to continue their untouched, dominant run while the Mavericks look to improve in their defensive play and get their first win of the NBA Finals series as both teams now look to Game 2 on Sunday, June 9th at 7 p.m. Central.
