By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Besides recovering from a right soleus strain, and returning to action in the demanding environment of the NBA Finals, Kristaps Porzingis came off the bench for the second time in his nine-year NBA career. He was brilliant as the Boston Celtics overpowered the Dallas Mavericks, 107-89, in TD Garden.
On the way to scoring 18 of his 20 points in the first half, the Latvian big checked in with 7:17 remaining in the first quarter of Game 1. He finished with 8/13 field goals, six rebounds, and three blocks, lasting 20 minutes in his first appearance since the opening round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel.
“From day one, I came here and said, ‘I will do whatever it takes to help this team win’. In this situation, it made sense. I did not care. I knew I could prepare to come off the bench, which is something different for me. And that is what I did,” he described adjusting to a reserve role.
On the court for 2:40, Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk made a two-pointer. Portuguese Neemias Queta stayed on the bench for the team coached by Joe Mazzulla.
“We have to do a better job”
Down 0-1 to start a best-of-seven series, the Mavs struggled to contain the Celtics, allowing 16 three-pointers on Thursday.
“Their spacing is great. They have a lot of shooters,” noted Luka Doncic, “We have to do a better job taking those threes away.”
The Slovenian superstar posted a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with two steals and only one assist over 38 minutes.
German Maxi Kleber logged two points, one assist, and one block in 18 minutes.