Celtics, Mavericks Tip Off NBA Finals

Porzingis Returns, Leads Mavericks in Game 1 Loss

Kristaps Porzingis made his return from a calf injury in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, dropping 20 points, including 18 in the first half, but it wasn't enough as the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-89. Despite Porzingis' efforts, the Celtics controlled the game from start to finish, led by Jayson Tatum's 27 points and 12 rebounds.

Celtics Dominate Mavericks in Game 1

The Celtics came out firing in Game 1, taking an early lead and never looking back. They shot 52.4% from the field and held the Mavericks to just 39.8% shooting. In addition to Tatum's big night, Jaylen Brown added 23 points and Marcus Smart chipped in 18.

The Mavericks struggled to find their rhythm offensively, particularly in the second half. They were led by Porzingis' 20 points, but Luka Doncic was held to just 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting. The Mavericks also turned the ball over 15 times, which led to several easy baskets for the Celtics.

Porzingis' Return a Bright Spot for Mavericks

Despite the loss, Porzingis' return was a bright spot for the Mavericks. The Latvian big man looked healthy and active, providing a much-needed boost to the Mavericks' frontcourt. He also showed his versatility on offense, knocking down three-pointers and getting to the rim at will.

With Porzingis back in the lineup, the Mavericks will be hoping to bounce back in Game 2. However, they will need to play much better than they did in Game 1 if they want to even the series.