Celtics demolish Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and co. are silenced by Kristaps Porzingis's explosive return and Jaylen Brown's 22-point performance

The Boston Celtics silenced any doubts they couldn't handle the pressure as they routed the Dallas Mavericks, 107-89, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday night.

The Celtics clinched victory in the opening game of the series in front of a raucous home crowd at TD Garden.

Kristaps Porzingis erupted for 20 points in his first game since April 27, while Jaylen Brown put in an impressive performance at both ends of the court to hold Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at bay.

The Celtics center returned from a calf injury but showed no signs of rust as he came off the bench to become Boston's second-highest scorer for the evening. Porzingis parlayed his scoring with six rebounds in 21 minutes of play.

Meanwhile, Brown continued his incredible playoff form and left his handprints all over the victory.

Brown recorded 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists while tallying three blocks and three steals on the defensive end.

The all-out effort from the Eastern Conference champions involved all starters putting up double-digit points. Jayson Tatum clocked in a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds with five assists.

Derick White supported the big three with 15 points and five assists. Meanwhile, Al Horford and Jrue Holiday had ten and 12 points, respectively. Holiday also had eight boards and five assists as Horford was three rebounds away from a double-double.

On the other hand, Luka Doncic's game-high 30-point performance proved insufficient in the Mavs' losing effort. The Mavericks poster boy parlayed his 30 points with ten assists and two steals.

PJ Washington had a decent showing with 14 points and eight rebounds.

In his return to Boston, Kyrie Irving received an unfriendly welcome from the fans. His performance gave them more ammunition as he struggled with just 12 points in the evening. 

The treatment came after Irving sparred with Boston fans and was fined for using an obscene gesture during a 2022 playoff visit to TD Garden.

The Celtics, seeking their first championship since 2008, showed little rust from their 10-day layoff after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks routed the Clippers, Thunder and Timberwolves to find themselves in their first Finals appearance since winning the NBA title against the Miami Heat in 2011.   

The Celtics are in their second Finals appearance in the last three years after losing to the Golden State Warriors in 2022.

The teams will meet again on Sunday for Game 2 in Boston.