NBA Finals: The Boston Celtics got off to a great start to the NBA Finals’ journey on Thursday, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 in the opening game at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown led the way with 22 points, and Kristaps Porzingis returned with 20 points off the bench after a month-long absence as the Celtics went for their first NBA title since the 2008 season.
In the first game of seven, the Celtics won by six Players who recorded double-digit turnovers including Jayson Tatum (16), Derrick White (15), Jrue Holiday (12), and Al Horford (10) who joined Brown and Porzingis in contributing to the win.
Boston led by 29 points at half-time when Joe Mazula’s team began to equalize, with 16 three-pointers, and Pep Guardiola, manager of Premier League champion Manchester City. Porzingis added fire from the bench in his return from a 38-day absence after recovering from a calf injury, and the Latvian had six rebounds and three blocks in just 20 minutes of work.

The Mavericks finally rallied in the second half and closed the deficit to eight points, 72-64, behind Luka Doncic’s 15 points. But the Celtics were too strong and quick to extend their lead again, extending their lead to 20 points in the fourth quarter.
“I think the thing that helped me the most was coming out before the game and the support from when I got on the court was amazing,” Porzingis said of the Celtics crowd.
“The adrenaline is pumping through my veins, and that helps a lot. ” Of course, being out there for so long wasn’t good, but I did everything I could to prepare myself mentally for this comeback season and it worked tonight he made a good match, and I was happy with the result.
“Tonight was a confirmation for myself that I am good enough. I may not be good enough, but I am good enough to be able to play like this and add to this team.”
Celtics coach Mazzulla added, “Everybody has to rise to the challenge of guarding these players. They’re an incredible team, because of their ability to score under a lot of pressure.
“Everybody has to individual performance and be proud of themselves defensively.” Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points, the most of any player on the court. PJ Washington had 14 points and eight rebounds while Dallas led the team with 12 points and was booed by the home crowd throughout the match.
“We need to move the ball more,” Irving said in his postgame interview.” Once again, it starts by being able to pick up the pace, giving us an easy time, and adapting to what he throws at us.
“It’s been a fun series, getting into the game is fun. It will always be fun. But the level of rivalry will remain.” The two teams will meet again in Boston on Monday, June 10 for Game 2 of the playoffs before traveling to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for Games 3 and 4.