Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics etched their name in the annals of NBA history with a compelling performance in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, taking on the Dallas Mavericks. By the end of the first quarter, the Celtics had surged to a 37-20 lead, setting a new record for the largest first-quarter lead in NBA Finals history, a staggering 17 points.
As the game unfolded, the Celtics maintained their dominance, eventually securing a 107-89 victory. While the 18-point margin did not rank among the largest blowouts in NBA Finals history, it underscored Boston’s control throughout the contest.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
Despite the emphatic win, Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals did not enter the record books as one of the most lopsided victories. Here is a glance at some of the most substantial blowouts in NBA Finals history:
- 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz: The Chicago Bulls crushed the Utah Jazz with a 96-54 win, a margin of 42 points. Utah's 54 points still hold the record for the fewest points by a team in an NBA playoff game.
- 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers: The Boston Celtics handed the Los Angeles Lakers a resounding 131-92 defeat, a 39-point drubbing that helped secure Boston’s championship.
- 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat: The San Antonio Spurs routed the Miami Heat 113-77, a final margin of 36 points that highlighted the Spurs’ balanced attack.
- 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics: The Washington Bullets dismantled the Seattle SuperSonics 117-82, a 35-point margin illustrating the Bullets’ dominance.
- 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers and 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks: The Boston Celtics appear twice on this list with twin 34-point victories, 148-114 against the Lakers in 1985 and 129-95 against the Hawks in 1961. The 148 points scored in 1985 remain the highest ever in an NBA Finals game.
Quotes from the Historic Performances
Reflecting on the historical context and the magnitude of Boston’s 2024 Game 1 performance, several quotes offer insight:
"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," said one keen observer. The sheer intensity and execution displayed by the Celtics set a new precedent for first-quarter dominance in the Finals.
"The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history," another statement confirmed, highlighting the significance of this achievement. This remarkable start provided the foundation for Boston's Game 1 victory.
This contrastingly brings to mind Utah's woeful 54 points during the 1998 Finals, the fewest by any team in NBA playoff history, a stark reminder of how pivotal scoring is in postseason success.
As a reflection on another momentous Celtics feat, "It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986," notes how Boston's historic scoring prowess in the 1985 Finals sealed an emphatic victory over their longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Adding to their storied legacy, "The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in an NBA Finals game," is a testament to Boston's offensive firepower.
As the 2024 NBA Finals continue, the Celtics have made a definitive statement with their commanding performance in Game 1. Their record-setting first quarter sets the tone for a potentially thrilling series, capturing the essence of high-stakes basketball where history and headlines are made in every quarter of play.
Whether this opening act will catapult the Boston Celtics to yet another championship remains to be seen, but their explosive start in Game 1 has already carved out a memorable chapter in NBA Finals lore.