Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics etched their name into NBA Finals history with a blistering start to Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. By the end of the first quarter, the Celtics led the Dallas Mavericks by a commanding 37-20 margin. This 17-point difference marked the largest lead after the first quarter in the annals of NBA Finals history.
The Celtics harnessed this early momentum to secure a 107-89 victory over the Mavericks. Although impressive, this 18-point win did not rank among the most lopsided victories in NBA Finals history. To put this into perspective, let’s take a look at some of the biggest blowouts ever recorded in the Finals.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
1. 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz
The Chicago Bulls delivered a resounding 96-54 victory over the Utah Jazz. The 54 points scored by Utah remain the fewest by any team in NBA playoff history, showcasing the defensive prowess of the Bulls.
2. 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers
The Boston Celtics routed the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92, marking one of the highest-scoring blowouts in Finals history. This game sealed Boston's first championship since 1986 and left an indelible mark on NBA lore.
3. 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat
The San Antonio Spurs crushed the Miami Heat with a 113-77 victory. This game was notable not just for the margin of victory but also for the sheer dominance displayed by the Spurs throughout the contest.
4. 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics
The Washington Bullets triumphed over the Seattle SuperSonics in a decisive 117-82 victory. This game ranks high on the list of largest blowouts in NBA Finals history and remains memorable for fans of the franchise.
T-5. 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers
In another Boston Celtics masterpiece, the team defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 148-114. This game still holds the record for the most points scored by a team in an NBA Finals game.
T-5. 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks
Rounding out the list, the Boston Celtics once again make an appearance with a 129-95 victory over the St. Louis Hawks. This game solidified their dominant status in the early years of the NBA.
Game 1: The Turning Point
The Celtics’ historic first quarter set the tone for the rest of Game 1. "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," remarked an analyst. This unprecedented start sent a clear message to the Mavericks and NBA fans alike.
While the Celtics maintained their lead throughout the game, it was this initial burst of energy that most analysts believe was the pivotal moment of the contest. "The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history," another commentator noted.
Looking Back to Look Forward
This latest achievement adds another chapter to the storied history of the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. The franchise has been a dominant force in the league for decades, and their performance in the 2024 Finals suggests that they are far from relinquishing their powerhouse status.
From their first championship win all the way back in 1957, to their current campaigns, the Celtics have continually set and broken records. Whether it was scoring the most points in a Finals game with 148 against the Lakers in 1985, or creating the largest blowout in a closeout game when they defeated the Jazz in 1998, Boston’s legacy is well-cemented in NBA history.
Despite their commanding Game 1 victory, the Finals are far from over. The Dallas Mavericks are a resilient team with the talent to challenge the Celtics’ supremacy. However, if Boston continues to play with the same intensity and skill displayed in the opening quarter of Game 1, they may well be on their way to another championship.
As the series progresses, fans worldwide will watch keenly to see if Game 1 was merely a sign of more dominant performances to come or if the Mavericks can bounce back and turn the tide. With history already being made, the 2024 NBA Finals promise to be memorable no matter the outcome.