4 observations after the Boston Celtics blow out the Dallas Mavericks, 107improv



The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, losing 107-89. Kristaps Porzingis led a balanced Celtics effort, scoring 20 points off the bench. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 30 points in the defeat.

The NBA Finals opened with intense shooting as both teams traded baskets and leads. Kyrie Irving scored four early points for Dallas while Al Horford added two baskets for Boston. After a Celtics timeout, Kristaps Porzingis made his first appearance off the bench. Derrick White hit back-to-back three-pointers, giving Boston a cushion. Following several scoreless possessions from both teams, the Celtics led 24-18. A Porzingis dunk and jumper extended Boston's lead to 10, forcing a Dallas timeout. Jaden Hardy scored off a broken play, but the Celtics responded with three consecutive threes to break the game open, finishing the first quarter ahead 37-20.

Kyrie Irving ended a 23-5 Celtics run with a lefty floater to start the second period. Boston continued attacking Dallas, driving and kicking while the Mavericks struggled to score. Porzingis stayed hot, hitting contested jumpers to push Boston's lead to 21. After a timeout, Dallas coach Jason Kidd opted for a smaller lineup, but Boston capitalized on Dallas turnovers, extending the lead to 29. The Mavericks managed a few baskets to slightly cut the lead, but Boston still led 63-42 at halftime.

Dallas quickly reduced the lead to 18 points to start the second half but then went several possessions without scoring, including some puzzling mistakes from Irving. However, Irving eventually stabilized with a great layup, and Washington scored in transition to cut Boston's lead to 16, forcing a Celtics timeout. Dallas continued to chip away, bringing the lead down to eight after Doncic’s second three-pointer of the quarter. After another Boston timeout, the Mavericks committed back-to-back travels and allowed an offensive rebound that led to a Porzingis dunk. Lively picked up his fourth and fifth fouls, and the Mavericks fell behind by 16 again. Boston hit two more threes as Dallas struggled offensively, trailing 86-66 after three quarters.

In the final quarter, Dallas attempted a run but fell behind by 25 halfway through the period, leading Kidd to pull Doncic and Irving. The benches cleared, and the Celtics secured a 107-89 victory.

Assists, or lack thereof

Although the Mavericks aren't known for high assist numbers, finishing with more turnovers than assists is alarming. Boston's defensive switching, anticipated before the series, stifled Dallas. With Luka making drives and kicks, Dallas players need to finish plays. This was a team-wide issue, and Coach Kidd emphasized the need to move away from one-on-one play.

Kyrie Irving needs to improve

Irving was consistently aggressive, seeking scoring opportunities and making plays, but he was largely ineffective, scoring 12 points on 6 of 19 shooting. His missed threes (0-5) and untimely turnovers were significant, especially after the Mavericks cut Boston's lead to eight in the third quarter. Missing open shots was particularly frustrating.

Dereck Lively II's rookie struggles

Lively, crucial to the Mavericks' postseason run, looked off-kilter for the first time since the middle of the Oklahoma City Thunder series. Limited to 18 minutes due to foul trouble, Lively's over-aggressiveness led to multiple fouls. However, given his impressive postseason growth, he is expected to adjust his role in the series. 

Throwback Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis, who struggled with injuries during his time in Dallas, showed impressive lower body strength in this game. His healthy performance, crucial for Boston, was maddening for Mavericks fans to watch. Limiting Porzingis will be key for Dallas, or this series might be short.