Celtics duo steps up as Porzingis sits out

(Boston, MA) - Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 63 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 112-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

Porzingis, who is averaging 21.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs, missed the game due to a left knee injury.

Tatum finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Brown added 31 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Celtics led by just five points with less than three minutes remaining, but Tatum and Brown hit back-to-back three-pointers to seal the victory.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Friday night in Boston.