(sabasports report) The Boston Celtics return home to face the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals G5. Kristaps Porzingis returned after a two-game layoff, and Luka Doncic continued to play through injuries.
After the game began, the Celtics quickly built an advantage in the first quarter, leading by 10 points. Jayson Tatum scored on a combination of drives early in the second quarter to help extend the lead to 15 points. Despite the Mavericks’ stubborn comeback, the Celtics still led 67-46 at halftime.
Kyrie Irving had five points and five assists, and Tyus Jones was the oddball in the first half, scoring 10 points for the Mavericks, who had nine points, six rebounds and four assists. For the Celtics, Tatum had 16 points and nine assists, Jaylen Brown added 15 points and Jrue Holiday added 11.
The Celtics led the Mavericks 3-1 in the first four games of the Finals. However, in the Finals G4, the Celtics performed poorly, losing by 38 points, and missed the chance to sweep the title. It’s worth noting that no team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit.
The Celtics hope to settle the battle at home and win the championship. The Mavericks are counting on Doncic and Irving to play well and keep the momentum going. The game both sides continued the previous starting lineup, Porzingis’s return for the Mavericks undoubtedly added a hope.