Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics made history in the opening act of the 2024 NBA Finals, delivering a stunning performance that set the tone for the series. At the end of the first quarter of Game 1, the Celtics led the Dallas Mavericks 37-20, marking the largest lead ever after the first quarter in NBA Finals history. This 17-point advantage was a testament to their dominant start and set them on a path to a decisive victory.
First Quarter Dominance
The Celtics' explosive start left the Mavericks struggling to keep pace. Their aggressive offense and tight defense created a commanding lead early in the game. By the end of the first 12 minutes, Boston's 17-point lead had inscribed itself in the records of NBA Finals history, showcasing their prowess and determination to set the tone for the series.
Game 1 Victory
This strong opening quarter was a precursor to Boston’s eventual triumph in Game 1. The Celtics clinched a 107-89 victory over the Mavericks, proving that their early lead wasn’t a fluke but rather a sign of their superiority on the court. Despite the significant win, it didn’t rank among the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history, demonstrating the competitive nature of the game.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
- 1. 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz: Chicago Bulls won 96-54.
- 2. 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers: Boston Celtics won 131-92.
- 3. 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat: San Antonio Spurs won 113-77.
- 4. 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics: Washington Bullets won 117-82.
- 5. Tied - 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers: Boston Celtics won 148-114.
- 5. Tied - 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks: Boston Celtics won 129-95.
These historic blowouts highlight some of the most dominant performances ever seen on the NBA Finals stage. Among them, the Celtics' 148 points in the 1985 Finals remains the most ever scored in a single Finals game. Additionally, the 1998 Finals saw the Chicago Bulls deliver a crushing defeat to the Utah Jazz, who managed only 54 points—the fewest ever by a team in NBA playoff history.
Historic Quotes from Legendary Performances
Reflecting on these memorable moments, several quotes capture the essence of the games:
"The Boston Celtics stormed out to a 37-20 lead over the Dallas Mavericks after the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals."
"The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history."
"Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history."
"It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986."
"The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in an NBA Finals game."
Conclusion
The 2024 NBA Finals began with a historical performance that set the stage for what promises to be an exciting series. The Boston Celtics' record-breaking first quarter not only secured a significant victory in Game 1 but also etched their name in the annals of NBA history. As fans await the subsequent games, the anticipation for more thrilling basketball continues to grow. The Celtics' dominant start is a reminder of the unpredictable and captivating nature of the NBA Finals.