Celtics Depth Proves Too Much For Dallas

Celtics Defeat Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals, Kristaps Porzingis Returns

Celtics Depth Proves Too Much for Dallas

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Struggle in Opener

The Boston Celtics took a commanding 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals with a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 on Thursday night. Despite the absence of All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' depth proved too much for the Mavericks, who struggled offensively with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combining for just 36 points on 13-of-35 shooting.

Kristaps Porzingis made his long-awaited return to the Celtics lineup after missing the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals with a calf injury. The 7-foot-3 Latvian forward showed no signs of rust, scoring 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range.

With Porzingis back in the fold, the Celtics had a balanced scoring attack with five players finishing in double figures. Jaylen Brown led the way with 24 points, while Derrick White added 19 points off the bench.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, were led by Luka Doncic's 20 points, but the Slovenian superstar shot just 7-of-21 from the field. Kyrie Irving struggled even more, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-20 shooting.

The Celtics will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series when Game 2 tips off on Sunday night in Dallas.