The return of Kristaps Porzingis plus a brilliant performance by all of Boston’s starters, led by Jaylen Brown, were decisive in stopping Luka Doncic and ‘disappearing’ Kyrie Irving.
The return of Kristaps Porzingis plus a brilliant performance from all of Boston’s starters, led by Jaylen Brownwere decisive in stopping Luka Doncic and ‘disappear’ to Kyrie Irving.
TD Garden witnessed the first victory in the NBA Finals for the locals who dominated from start to finish to take the Game 1 by 107-89.
These are the keys to the Celtics’ victory.
1.- Surprising performance by Kristaps Porzingis. The center, who was out of action for 10 games due to a calf injury, had a brilliant night that probably Dallas Mavericks They were not expected and for which they found no defense.
Coming off the bench, the Latvian finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in 21 minutes of action. Part of his scoring lead came in the first half when he had 18 points in 13 minutes; Whether from the arc or attacking the rim, the Mavs were unable to contain him and his time on the floor was well managed by coach Joe Mazulla.
2.- An unstoppable Jaylen Brown. The guard was magnificent both offensively and defensively. He led the Celtics in points scored and had a couple of blocks that made TD Garden explode.
Of Boston’s nine blocks, three were from Brown, who also captured 6 rebounds, 5 of them defensive. At the front of the floor, Jaylen Brown He went 7-12 from the field and 2-6 from the arc in 37 minutes and thanks to his good record, Boston left Kyrie Irving with 12 points plus 3 turnovers; another 4 were from Luka Doncic so that the Mavs turned the ball over 11 times.
Likewise, the local defense controlled the field and triple attempts of the visit by leaving it at 35 of 84 from the field and a low 7 of 27 in triples. Boston was not much superior from the arc, hitting only 16 of 42 attempts.
3.- Ball movement and even performance of the Celtics starters. Boston moved the ball until they found their best option to score. The dominance of the locals in the area of assists was total as they finished with 23 to 9 of the Mavs, hence all the first basemen that coach Mazzulla sent finished with double digits (plus Porzingis’ 20 points from the bench.
And although in the third quarter the Mavs came within 8 points of tying the score, Boston adjusted to close that quarter down 24-23 after Dallas had them 20-9.
When and at what time is Game 2 of the NBA Finals Celtics vs Mavericks?
Game 2 of the NBA Finals will take place on Sunday, June 9 at TD Garden at 6:00 p.m. CT.
