![\"Kristaps](\"https:\/\/nbaanalysis.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/USATSI_23488187_168394021_lowres-941x627.jpg\")
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Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> returned after missing over a month due to a calf injury, propelling the Boston Celtics to a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. <\/p>\n Porzingis has been sidelined since April 29 but came off the bench in his return to score 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 21 minutes. He scored 11 points in the first quarter alone, helping Boston take a 37-20 lead entering the second period, which ultimately reached a 29-point lead. <\/p>\n “Tonight was affirmation to myself that I’m pretty good,” Porzingis said. “I’m not perfect, but I can play like this and I can add to this team.” <\/p>\n Jaylen Brown<\/a> led the Celtics with 22 points and was the primary defender guarding Luka Doncic<\/a>. He added three steals and three blocks, including multiple breakaway steals for finishes against Doncic and some emphatic blocks as an off-ball defender.<\/p>\n NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Jayson Tatum<\/a> finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Six players scored in double figures for the Celtics, who host Game 2 on Sunday. Derrick White<\/a> scored 15. The Celtics hit 16 3-pointers and scored 29 points in the first half. <\/p>\n “Getting back to this point and being here is really a big deal,” Tatum said. “But two years ago, we won the first game, and we know the outcome of that series. We still have a lot of work to do.”<\/p>\n