The Boston Celtics dominated Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a convincing 107-89 victory. Despite the Mavericks’ dynamic backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Celtics managed to stifle their offensive prowess.
Doncic, who shot 12-of-26 from the field, struggled to find his rhythm as Boston’s defense made him play against multiple defenders on switches. Notably, Doncic’s shooting numbers against key defenders revealed his struggles, with standout performances from Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.
While Doncic found success against Brown and Porzingis, he faltered against Holiday and Horford, shooting just 1-of-3 and 1-of-8 respectively. Horford’s veteran presence and versatility on the court proved to be a significant factor in Boston’s defensive success.
As the series progresses, the Mavericks will need to find a reliable third scoring option in their frontcourt and capitalize on opportunities for easy baskets, especially in transition. Securing a win in Game 2 would allow Dallas to steal home-court advantage and gain momentum before heading to Texas for the following games.
Despite the Game 1 loss, the Mavericks have the potential to bounce back, especially with Doncic’s ability to shine in crunch time. If they can keep games competitive and make adjustments moving forward, Dallas could position themselves as strong contenders for the NBA championship.
With the series far from over, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt and strategize for the upcoming games. The battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is heating up, and the Mavericks will be looking to make a statement in Game 2 to turn the tide in their favor.