After missing so much of the action in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis made his return on the court Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals opposite the Dallas Mavericks. It did not take him long to heat up and show everyone that he was really back.
Porzingis came off the bench in the first quarter and exploded right away, scoring 11 points before the opening period even ended. Overall in Game 1, Porzingis scored 20 points with six rebounds and three blocks while going 8/13 on his field goal attempts.
“Tonight was an affirmation to myself that I am pretty good,” the Latvian said after the Celtics’ 107-89 win (h/t Malika Andrews). “I can definitely add to this team.””
Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis off to a great start in the 2024 NBA Finals
Prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Porzingis last saw action back in the first round against the Miami Heat where he suffered a calf injury that forced him to sit out the second-round series versus the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Eastern Conference finals opposite the Indiana Pacers.
Porzingis did not start in Game 1, with veteran Al Horford getting the nod in his place. But after what he showed in the series opener, it is perhaps safe to expect Porzingis to get back his usual spot on the Celtics’ first-five unit.
Porzingis wasn’t the only Celtic who had a solid showing in Game 1, with Jaylen Brown leading the pack with 22 points and four other Boston players putting up at least 10 points.
Game 2 of the Mavericks-Celtics series will be on Sunday, still in Boston.
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