Celtics Take Early Lead In Championship Series

NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Dominate Dallas Mavericks in Game 1

Celtics Take Early Lead in Championship Series

Last Updated: June 6, 2024, 8:07 PM PDT

The Boston Celtics sent a resounding message in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, crushing the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 to take an early lead in the championship series.

The Celtics came out firing from the start, establishing a 10-point lead in the first quarter. Dallas fought back in the second, but Boston held on to a 55-45 halftime advantage.

In the second half, the Celtics extended their lead as their depth proved too much for the Mavericks. Every Celtic player who saw action contributed points, with six players scoring in double figures.

Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 28 points, followed by Jaylen Brown's 22. Josh Richardson had a strong game with 18 points off the bench, while Malcolm Brogdon added 15.

The Mavericks were led by Luka Dončić's 25 points, but the young superstar struggled to find his rhythm against the Celtics' stifling defense. Kyrie Irving added 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Boston's balanced attack and home-court advantage.

The Celtics will look to build on their victory in Game 2 on Sunday, June 8. The Mavericks will need to make some adjustments if they want to even the series and keep their championship hopes alive.