Celtics Dominate Mavericks in Game One of NBA Finals

The 27-year-old led the scoring with 22 points, while five of his teammates also notched double figures for the Celtics, who are eyeing their record 18th title.

However, it was the Celtics' defensive prowess that stood out, allowing them to build a commanding 29-point lead in the first half at the TD Garden in Massachusetts.

Despite Mavericks star Luka Doncic's impressive performance of 30 points and 10 rebounds, helping his team narrow the deficit to eight points in the third quarter, the Celtics managed to pull away again in the fourth quarter.

"When they cut it to eight, that's when the game started," remarked Brown. "I liked how our team responded. We stayed composed. Offensively, we got to our spacing and were able to push that lead back out and make some plays."

Celtics dominate Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals as Kristaps Porzingis returns

Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury for the Celtics, rejoining the lineup after a 10-game absence due to a calf injury suffered during the playoffs.

Facing his former team, Porzingis contributed 20 points, including 11 from rebounds.

Despite a disappointing outcome for the Mavericks, they found encouragement in their performance during the third quarter.

"I think in those moments we were playing our basketball," remarked Doncic. "We were getting stops. We didn't allow them to offensive rebound. We were having fun out there in those moments, and that's what we've got to do more."

Game two of the best-of-seven series will be hosted by Boston on Sunday.

The Celtics aim to surpass the Los Angeles Lakers, who also boast 17 NBA Championship titles. They are aware that historically, 70% of NBA Finals have been won by the team emerging victorious in game one.