Celtics Steal Game 1 of NBA Finals

Porzingis Returns as Best Player in Game 1

Key Moment that Led to Celtics Game 1 Win

The Boston Celtics stunned the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, stealing a 112-104 victory on the road. The game featured a dramatic finish, with the Celtics erasing an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

The key moment in the game came with just over three minutes remaining. With the Mavericks leading 102-99, Celtics guard Marcus Smart hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game. Smart's shot sparked a 10-0 run that gave the Celtics a 109-102 lead with just over a minute to play. The Mavericks were unable to recover, and the Celtics held on for the victory.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, while Jaylen Brown added 26 points. Kristaps Porzingis returned to action for the Mavericks after missing the Western Conference Finals with a knee injury, and he played like the best player on the court. Porzingis finished with 33 points and 12 rebounds, hitting several key shots down the stretch.

The Celtics will host the Mavericks in Game 2 on Sunday night. The series then shifts to Dallas for Games 3 and 4 next week.

The Celtics' victory in Game 1 was a major statement. They showed that they can win on the road in the Finals, and they proved that they have the mental toughness to overcome adversity. The Mavericks will need to make some adjustments in Game 2 if they want to tie the series. They will need to find a way to stop Tatum and Brown, and they will need to get more production from their role players.