Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics led 37-20 by the end of the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, marking a historic moment in the annals of NBA Finals play. The 17-point advantage they held is now etched in the record books as the largest lead after the opening quarter of any NBA Finals game.
The Celtics ultimately triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks with a 107-89 victory in Game 1. However, despite this impressive win, it doesn’t rank among the biggest blowouts in the history of the NBA Finals.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
When examining the most decisive victories in NBA Finals history, several games stand out:
- 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz - The Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 96-54. Utah's 54 points remain the fewest ever scored by a team in NBA playoff history.
- 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers - The Boston Celtics demolished the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92. This game marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history, sealing Boston's first championship since 1986.
- 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat - The San Antonio Spurs thrashed the Miami Heat 113-77 in another memorable rout.
- 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics - The Washington Bullets cruised past the Seattle SuperSonics with a 117-82 victory.
- 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers - The Boston Celtics once again appear on the list with their 148-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The 148 points they scored still stand as the most ever in an NBA Finals game.
- 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks - The Celtics also racked up a huge win, beating the St. Louis Hawks 129-95.
Quotes from the Historic Performances
Reflecting on some of these remarkable games, notable quotes provide additional context to these historic performances:
"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 a NBA Finals game."
While the Celtics' 17-point first-quarter lead in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals is a historic milestone, their 107-89 victory over the Mavericks falls short of the most lopsided wins in the sport's championship history. Still, it sets the tone for what could be a memorable series.
The Boston Celtics have demonstrated a tendency to make history during the NBA Finals. From their huge wins in the past, such as the 2008 triumph over the Lakers and their 148-point game in 1985, it's clear that the team has a knack for standout performances on the biggest stage.
Looking Ahead in the 2024 NBA Finals
As the 2024 NBA Finals continue, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can maintain their early dominance. The Mavericks, too, will be looking to bounce back and make their mark on this historic series. Game 1's results have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive Finals.
The Celtics' charge to a commanding first-quarter lead will undoubtedly be a critical talking point as the series progresses. The 2024 NBA Finals are off to a historic start, and basketball fans are eager to see how the rest of the games unfold. Will Boston's early momentum carry them to yet another championship, or will Dallas mount a comeback for the ages?
With records being broken and history being made, the 2024 NBA Finals are already proving to be an unforgettable chapter in the saga of professional basketball. Stay tuned as we witness how this historic series continues to unfold.