Celtics demolish Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and co. are silenced by Kristaps Porzingis’s explosive return and Jaylen Brown’s 22-point performance
The Boston Celtics put to rest any doubts that they couldn’t handle the pressure when they defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.
The Celtics emerged victorious in the opening game of the series in front of a raucous home crowd at TD Garden.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 20 points in his first game since April 27, while Jaylen Brown had an impressive performance on both ends of the court to keep Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at bay.
The Celtics center returned from a calf injury but showed no signs of rust as he came off the bench to become Boston’s second-highest scorer of the night. Porzingis countered his scoring with six rebounds in 21 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Brown continued his incredible play-off form and left his handprints on the win.
Brown recorded 22 points, six rebounds and two assists, while recording three blocks and three steals on the defensive end.
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