The Celtics posted the third-largest NBA Finals Game 1 win in 30 years
Boston started its NBA Finals run on the right foot, as it defeated Dallas 107 to 89 at TD Garden on Thursday evening. Their 18-point victory is tied for the third-largest Game 1 win in a playoff series in the past 30 years, with the Lakers and Warriors holding the first two records.
It’s also interesting to point out that both Golden State and Los Angeles teams went on to win five-game sweeps. Last night’s win was a testament to Boston’s teamwork, as each player was a star in his own right.
For example, Jaylen Brown led the team with 22 points, followed by Kristaps Porzingis who contributed 20 points off the bench, then Jayson Tatum dropped 16 and Derrick White scored 15. In all, six Celtics players scored in double figures last night.
“To be honest I was nervous… in a worried way… being in the finals.”
Jayson Tatum gets the truth about the ‘wake up call’ last season when the Celtics failed to reach the Finals, and the nerves he felt before the game. pic.twitter.com/ki1HwwNIRx
– Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 7, 2024
The truth is, the Celtics always looked like they deserved to win the opening game of this series, as they led by 29 points in the first half. However, Tatum knows very well that in the past two seasons they have lost the championship even though they won the first game.
“To come back to this point and to be here is really big,” said the All-Star forward. “But two years ago we won the first game and we know the result of that series. We still have a lot of work to do.”
His Latvian counterpart, meanwhile, is soaring in confidence after returning to the NBA courts. The 7-footer has been sidelined with a knee injury since April 29, and has missed several playoff games for his team.
“Tonight I proved to myself that I am good,” the center revealed after producing 3 blocks last night. “I’m not perfect but I can play like this and I can join this team. Adrenaline was flowing through my veins.”
Rival Luka Doncic does not believe that this 18-point loss will lower the spirit of the Mavericks team in the NBA Finals.
Despite falling to Boston by the third largest margin in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Luka Doncic doesn’t believe this will affect his team’s spirit. Dallas has already lost the opening game of three of its four postseason series.
“You either lose or you win,” said the Slovenian. “From the first to the fourth, we have to focus on the next game.” The Mavs star contributed with a 30-point and 10-rebound performance, but only managed to record one assist all night.
His teammate Kyrie Irving struggled throughout the tournament, as he was able to score only 12 points. From the pregame celebrations, he was booed by the TD Garden crowd, and continued every time he touched the ball.
“I thought it would be a little more intense here. I expect the same thing (in Game 2). The crowd is trying to get me out of my situation,” said the guard from Boston. “It’s not the first time I’ve lost in Boston. I don’t want to make it a habit.”
