Boston Celtics Win First Quarter Led By Kristaps Porzingis
The first quarter was back and forth with a total of seven lead changes. That is until Derick White hit a huge three-pointer with 6:19 left in the quarter. That was the final lead change of the game as Boston began their domination. For the next 6 minutes and 19 seconds, the Mavericks scored a futile five points. In contrast, the Boston Celtics scored 20 points.
How did the Boston Celtics manage to go on this run? There are many reasons for such a run. However, it all came down to playing basketball as a unit. They spaced the floor, made the right passes, took high-percentage shots, and played great defense. With that being said, there was something else significant that changed at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. Kristaps Porzingis entered the game.
Kristaps Porzingis was the X-factor in the run in the first quarter. He scored 11 of the Celtics’ 20 points late in the first quarter, and he got 2 of his 3 blocks. The quarter ended with a score of 37 to 20. The Boston Celtics shot 56% from the field and 46% from three-point range. In contrast, the Dallas Mavericks only shot 37% from the field and 25% from three-point range. The Celtics also outrebounded the Mavericks 16 to 6.
Boston Celtics Win Second Quarter
Unfortunately for the Dallas Mavericks, a comeback did not seem possible. Porzingis was subbed into the game with 9:20 left in the quarter. He went on to score the next four points for his team and then was subbed out. This brought Boston from a 16-point lead to a 21-point lead.
Next thing you know, it was time for the other stars to shine. Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White put on a clinic with a 10-0 run in one minute. The Celtics went up by 29 points, the largest lead of the game. Then Kristaps Porzingis was subbed back in to finish the half strong. He and Jayson Tatum went on to score the next five points.
And just like that, the Boston Celtics win the second quarter. The score was 63 to 42 at the half. The Celtics outscored the Mavs in the quarter 26 to 22, a much smaller margin than the first quarter. While the Mavericks were down and losing the game by a larger margin, they played a better quarter, and they have always been a better team in the second half. So the question remained for them and the fans: Could they come back?
Boston Celtics Win And Stop A Comeback
The Boston Celtics won yet again in the third quarter, or at least they held the lead. They were outscored by the Mavs by one point. While the Celtics entered the quarter with a 21-point lead, they let it slip down to an eight-point lead with 4:28 left in the third quarter.
The Celtics regrouped with a much-needed timeout. Then they went on a 14-2 run to close out the third quarter. Jaylen Brown scored 6 of the total 14 points in that run. The fiery comeback the Mavericks felt the building was put out by the Celtics’ wet three-pointers, as nine of their 14 points came from three-point range.
The Dallas Mavericks entered the fourth quarter hoping for a comeback. However, after finding themselves down by 25 points with five minutes left in the game, they subbed out their only hope at a comeback: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks threw in the towel and knew that game 1 was over. With that said, the Mavericks still outscored the Celtics by two points in the fourth quarter.
This means that the Boston Celtics win by one point without taking the first quarter into account. That is just how important that quarter was for the game. Without that initial 17-point lead and 20-5 run late in the first quarter, this game could have been a lot different. Maybe the final score would not have been 107 to 89.
Key Stats
Luka Doncic has averaged 8.4 assists in the playoffs this year. He only had one assist in Game 1. Dereck Lively II has averaged 8.2 points per game in the playoffs this year. He had a points game in Game 1. Kyrie Irving has averaged 22.2 points and five assists per game. He only had 12 points and two assists in Game 1. The Dallas Mavericks have averaged 21.7 assists in the playoffs this year. They only had nine assists in Game 1. The key to the Boston Celtics win is a great defense and capitalizing and forcing the Mavericks to have a below-average night.
About The Author
Hunter is a jack of all trades with a diverse set of interests. He enjoys participating in competitive running, tennis, and basketball. He loves trying new sports, especially any type of racket sport, and keeps up with professional tennis and basketball.
In his personal life, he likes trying new recipes. He also enjoys hiking, camping, and various outdoor activities. Additionally, he likes playing video games, appreciates the art of cinema, and indulges in creative writing.
As a professional and creative writer, Hunter shares a wide range of content. Follow him at @HunterWritesPro to stay updated with his latest work
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
