What a start it was for the NBA Finals! The Boston Celtics scorched the Dallas Mavericks from every part of the court. Kristaps Porzingis returned to the lineup after more than a month out, and now the Celtics look deadlier than before, as they demolished Luka Doncic and Co. by 18 points in Game 1. Many were in awe of the tough shots and the fancy three-pointers that the Celtics made, but Magic Johnson, as always, found out another highlight of the Celtics that helped them seal the game. 

Six different players from the Celtics finished with double figures. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis dropped 20+ points, which fueled their team to a win. But none of the above stats would have helped Celtics win, if not for the defense played by their backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Magic Johnson was in awe of it, but then, he predicted it a few days before the series too. 

Johnson wrote on X, “The Celtics defense smothered the Mavs and took them completely out their game. Like I said earlier this week – the Celtics just have more depth and firepower than the Mavs and it was on full display tonight!” Not just White and Holiday, but Brown and Porzingis also activated their two-way mode. 

Luka Doncic was the only unstoppable player for the Dallas Mavericks today, who finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds in his first Finals game. Kyrie Irving had multiple turnovers and had a tough time outside the three-point line. The Celtics had a total of nine blocks today, while the Mavericks had just one, which proves Johnson’s point. The 5x champion has the habit of choosing an X-factor from every game. Let’s see who made it to his tweet this time. 

Magic Johnson reveals the “Key” for the Celtics who helped them seal Game 1

The Celtics took control of the Mavericks in the very first quarter of the game. They extended the lead up to 30 points nearly in the first half, which Dallas never recovered from. Thanks to Kristaps Porzingis, who put on a show in the first half with his brilliant display. The 7’2 center had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 7 minutes of the first quarter. 

Also, he shot an impeccable 80% from the field in the same quarter. Porzingis finished the game with 20 points, shooting 8/13 from the field. The Mavericks cut down the lead to 8 points in the third quarter. So it’s safe to say the quick-fire assault from Porzingis came in handy today. 

Porzingis missed most of the Eastern Conference matchups due to an injury. He played four games against the Miami Heat in the first round. He was not available against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers. Anyhow, he compensated for his absence by putting on a flawless performance in a high-pressure game like this.  

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.