Celtics Take Early Lead in NBA Finals
Mavs Look to Bounce Back in Game 2
Three Key Factors Behind Dallas' Game 1 Loss
The Boston Celtics have jumped out to an early lead in the 2024 NBA Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 on Thursday night.
The Celtics were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who returned from injury to score 24 points and grab 10 rebounds in his first game since April 29. Jayson Tatum also had a strong performance, scoring 32 points and hitting five 3-pointers.
The Mavericks struggled from the field, shooting just 39.3% overall and 29.2% from 3-point range. Luka Doncic, who averaged 32.6 points per game in the regular season, was held to just 20 points on 7-of-23 shooting.
Here are three key factors that contributed to the Mavericks' Game 1 loss:
- Kyrie Irving struggled mightily from the field. The Celtics held Irving to just 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Irving, who averaged 26.9 points per game in the regular season, has now scored just 23 total points in the first two games of the Finals.
- The Celtics' defense was dominant. Boston held the Mavericks to just 89 points, including 33 points in the second half. The Celtics forced the Mavericks into 17 turnovers and blocked 10 shots.
- The Celtics got a big lift from their bench. The Celtics' bench outscored the Mavericks' bench by a score of 38-12. Grant Williams led the way with 11 points, while Malcolm Brogdon added 9 points and Derrick White had 8 points.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Sunday night at 8 pm in Boston.
Conclusion
The Celtics have taken an early lead in the NBA Finals, but the Mavericks are still very much alive in the series. Doncic is one of the most dangerous players in the league, and the Mavericks have plenty of other weapons that they can use to beat the Celtics. Game 2 is sure to be a close one, and it could be the turning point in the series.
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