Porzingis’ return to the parquet marks the first match of the Finals. Boston, thanks to KP’s great impact, especially in the first half, dominates game 1 and ultimately wins 107-89. Doncic does what he can but preaches in the desert with a disappointing Irving who doesn’t collaborate, everything becomes easier for Boston and even an empty pass at the start of the second half doesn’t change the prospects of a match dominated by the home team.
guardhouse and…
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There is also Guardiola in the front row cheering for the Celtics who finally find Porzingis who starts from the bench. At the presentation of the quintet, the barrage of boos for the former Irving arrives punctually, as scheduled, in a truly very hot TD Garden. We start with Brown, and not Holiday, marking public danger number one Doncic. Dallas starts with a good attitude but the match changes as soon as he returns to the parquet, greeted by an ovation, KP with 7’17” left in the first quarter. The impact of the Latvian is devastating and not only in attack. Boston starts to pick up pace from long range and it becomes very tough for the Mavericks also because Porzingis’ centimeters also make the difference in defense. Tatum doesn’t have an impact, but it’s not a problem in the slightest for the Celtics who run away with a quick run of 14-2. KP is irrepressible, he shoots ahead of any opponent in front of him, and also finds the triple. Doncic’s frustration grows exponentially and the Celtics take advantage of it, closing a spacey first quarter in crescendo. Porzingis also places two spectacular blocks and at the end of the first half Boston is already at +17, 37-20. At the end of the first quarter, the former Mavs player had 11 points and three blocks on the scoresheet, in seven minutes of play, with a +16 plus/minus. Not even the most optimistic Boston fan could have asked for a better first taste of Porzingis’ return. The second half opens with Brown’s peremptory dunk, Irving, whistled every time he touches the ball, is unable to enter the match, KP then takes care of splitting the game again. Dallas goes into total confusion halfway through the second half, also running into some very avoidable turnovers, and the home team even reaches +29. Doncic’s plays at the end of the first half allow the Mavs to limit a very heavy deficit and Dallas thus goes into the locker room at halftime 21 points down. 18 points for a super Porzingis while the Slovenian is the only Dallas player in double figures at the end of the first half.
recovery
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The Mavericks return from the locker room with an edge. Doncic lights up and slowly Dallas gets back into the match, also because Boston’s attack becomes too static. Luka is irrepressible, finds a couple of crazy triples and the guests, despite a confusing Irving (and constantly caught by the crowd), suddenly find themselves at -8. Halfway through the third quarter the Slovenian already has 27 points but with Porzingis’ return to the parquet Boston responds. Brown attacks the basket, triples from Tatum and Horford also arrive and Boston chases away the ghosts by returning to a safe distance with a 14-0 run. Thus, after the scare of Dallas’ return, the Celtics ended the third quarter ahead by 20 points. Once they regained control of the match, the home team never let go. Doncic, betrayed by Irving (6/19 shooting) cannot find collaboration and goes out, thus the flames of White and Brown are enough to keep the visiting team at a safe distance who finally raises the white flag in the middle of the half. Boston thus went on to win game 1 easily. Race-2, again at the TD Garden, on the night between Sunday and Monday.
Boston: Brown 22 (5/6, 2/6, 6/11 TL), Porzingis 20, Tatum 16. Rebounds: Tatum 11. Assists: Tatum, White, Holiday 5.
Dallas: Doncic 30 (8/14, 4/12, 2/5 TL), Washington 14, Irving 12. Rebounds: Doncic 10. Assists: Irving 2.
