NBA: Celtics Take Game 1 of Finals, Defeat Mavericks 107-89

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The Boston Celtics have taken an early lead in the NBA Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis returned from a calf injury and put up a solid performance, but it wasn't enough to match the Celtics' dominance.

The Celtics controlled the game from start to finish, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. Tatum knocked down five three-pointers and finished with 32 points, while Brown added 41 points. Porzingis finished with 20 points, but the Mavericks struggled to find their rhythm offensively.

Doncic connected on a step-back three-pointer against Porzingis late in the second quarter, but the Celtics extended their lead to 18 points at halftime. The Mavs made a small run in the third quarter, but the Celtics quickly regained control of the game.

The Celtics' defense proved to be too much for the Mavericks to overcome. They held Doncic to 20 points on 6-of-19 shooting and forced 10 turnovers. The Celtics also forced the Mavs into taking difficult shots, and they were able to convert those turnovers into easy baskets.

Game 2 of the Finals will be held in Dallas on Friday. The Mavericks will need to find a way to adjust to the Celtics' defense if they want to tie the series.