Celtics Rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Brown Returns, Porzingis Struggles
The Boston Celtics took a commanding 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals with a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 on Wednesday night. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 34 points. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 20 points, but shot just 6-of-18 from the field.
The Celtics were dominant from the start, leading by double digits for most of the game. Brown, who missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury, returned to the lineup and provided a much-needed boost. He hit several key shots in the second half, including a three-pointer that gave the Celtics a 15-point lead with less than five minutes remaining.
The Mavericks were unable to keep up with the Celtics' firepower. Porzingis, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, finished with just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting. The Mavericks also struggled from three-point range, hitting just 7-of-29 attempts.
The Celtics now have a chance to take a 2-0 lead in the series when they host Game 2 on Friday night.
Box Score
Boston Celtics (1-0)
- Jayson Tatum: 39 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jaylen Brown: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Marcus Smart: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
- Al Horford: 12 points, 10 rebounds
- Robert Williams III: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
Dallas Mavericks (0-1)
- Luka Doncic: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
- Kristaps Porzingis: 12 points, 8 rebounds
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: 13 points
- Spencer Dinwiddie: 12 points
- Dorian Finney-Smith: 10 points
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