Boston, MA — In a remarkable return to action after a 38-day layoff due to injury, Kristaps Porzingis emerged as the unexpected hero in the Boston Celtics’ 107-89 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at TD Garden.
Outline
A Night to Remember
Playing under the shadows of banners won by some of the NBA’s most legendary sixth men, such as Frank Ramsey, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, and Bill Walton, Kristaps Porzingis made a significant mark of his own.
Entering the game off the bench for only the second time in his nine-year career, the 7-foot-2 center delivered an electrifying performance that had the Celtics faithful roaring with approval.
“Getting that kind of support was unreal,” Kristaps Porzingis shared post-game. “The adrenaline was pumping through my veins.”
Immediate Impact
Kristaps Porzingis checked into the game with 7:17 left in the first quarter and Boston trailing 12-11. His entry sparked an immediate turnaround as he scored 11 points in the remainder of the quarter, leading the Celtics on a 26-8 run that set the tone for the rest of the game. By halftime, Porzingis had already amassed 13 points and was a plus-15 in just 13 minutes of play.
His impact was felt on both ends of the court. Offensively, he outscored the entire Mavericks bench 20-4 through three quarters. Defensively, his presence helped limit Dallas’ frontcourt options, with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II combining for just 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Emotional Boost
Beyond the statistics, Kristaps Porzingis provided a vital emotional lift to both his teammates and the packed arena. The Celtics had navigated through the NBA postseason without their starting center, going 9-1 in his absence. Yet, facing the Mavericks’ dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, along with their formidable big men, required the unique skill set and rim protection that Kristaps Porzingis offers.
Player and Coach Reactions with Kristaps Porzingis
Reflecting on his performance, Kristaps Porzingis said, “It’s kind of like a blur to me right now. I have to re-watch the game, what happened and stuff, but I was completely just in the game. That’s the best feeling.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his player’s resilience and impact, stating, “The reason why we are here is because of what he’s done. It doesn’t matter how long he takes off, the guy is going to make plays because of how talented he is and the work he puts in.”
Teammate Jaylen Brown echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Kristaps Porzingis’ return: “Nobody’s more proud and more excited for him than I am. He’s a big reason why we’ve been the best team in basketball record-wise, at least, and having him back and him playing well to that level he was during the season is so important for us.”
What Lies Ahead?
The Celtics now face the challenge of maintaining this momentum through the series. The key question is whether Kristaps Porzingis can sustain his performance level, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his calf’s response after Game 1. The Mavericks will undoubtedly adjust their strategy to test his stamina and mobility in Game 2, scheduled for Sunday (8 ET, ABC).
In keeping with the tradition of the Celtics’ innovative use of the sixth man role, Kristaps Porzingis is expected to continue coming off the bench, providing the spark that could carry Boston to further victories in this Finals series.
