Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics made history with an electrifying start in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. By the end of the first quarter, the Celtics had surged to a commanding 37-20 lead over the Dallas Mavericks, setting a new record for the largest lead after a quarter in NBA Finals history.
A Record-Breaking First Quarter
The Celtics' 17-point advantage after just one quarter was an unprecedented feat, showcasing their dominance on the court from the very beginning of the game. This historic performance laid the foundation for their eventual 107-89 victory over the Mavericks in Game 1. While the victory margin was significant, it did not rank among the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
Despite the Celtics' impressive win, it pales in comparison to some of the greatest blowouts in NBA Finals history. Here are the top blowouts:
- 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz - Chicago Bulls won 96-54. This game remains the record for the fewest points scored by a team in an NBA playoff game.
- 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers - Boston Celtics won 131-92. This game marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and secured Boston's first championship since 1986.
- 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat - San Antonio Spurs won 113-77.
- 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics - Washington Bullets won 117-82.
- Tied for 5th place:
- 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers - Boston Celtics won 148-114. The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in an NBA Finals game.
- 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks - Boston Celtics won 129-95.
Quotes from Historic Performances
The Boston Celtics' epic start in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals has drawn comparisons to other 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." This quote captures the sheer dominance of the Celtics during the initial stages of the game.
Reflecting on the 1998 NBA Finals, it's noted that "Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history," highlighting the Chicago Bulls' defensive prowess.
Examining the 2008 NBA Finals, "It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986." This emphasizes how Boston's commanding victory not only set a record but also ended a long championship drought.
Regarding the 1985 NBA Finals, "The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in an NBA Finals game," showcasing Boston's offensive mastery during that historic blowout.
Looking Ahead
With such a commanding start in Game 1, the Boston Celtics have set the tone for the 2024 NBA Finals. Their historic first quarter performance serves as a strong statement of intent as they seek to capture another championship.
As the series progresses, fans and analysts will be watching to see if the Celtics can maintain their dominant form or if the Dallas Mavericks can recover and challenge Boston's supremacy. Either way, the 2024 NBA Finals are shaping up to be a memorable series with more history potentially waiting to be made.