Kristaps Porzingis shines for Celtics in blowout win over Mavericks in Game 1

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Kristaps Porzingis was really happy to be back on the court and his play helped elevate the Boston Celtics to a Game 1 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, 107-89.

Porzingis hadn’t stepped onto the basketball court he was injured in the team’s series against the Miami Heat. He helped Boston jump out to a 22-point lead and get back into a rhythm in the third quarter when the Mavericks cut their deficit to eight points.

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Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) celebrates a 3-pointer, near Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston.  (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

After starting the game on the bench, he finished with 20 points and added six rebounds and three blocks to his total. He was 8-of-13 from the field in 21 minutes of action.

Porzingis, who was once a member of the Mavericks, wasn’t sure he was going to be 100% going into Game 1 after being out with a strained right calf, but showed off his versatility and was able to add the extra X-factor to the Celtics’ offense.

He also had an electric block on Mavericks guard Josh Green.

Jaylen Brown, who helped lock down the Mavericks in the third quarter, finished with a team-high 22 points. He had six rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists in the win.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, drives toward the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington defends during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston.  (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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