Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics made NBA history with a spectacular performance in the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Leading 37-20 by the end of the quarter, the Celtics set a new record for the largest lead after the first quarter in NBA Finals history. This remarkable start paved the way for their eventual 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter was an unprecedented achievement, underscoring the Celtics' dominance from the outset. While the final margin of victory wasn't among the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history, the Celtics' first-quarter blitzkrieg will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impressive displays of early-game dominance in the annals of the Finals.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
To put the Celtics' victory in context, it's worth looking at some of the most significant blowouts in NBA Finals history. While Boston’s Game 1 win was commanding, it did not quite reach the levels of some of the more lopsided contests seen in previous Finals.
- 1998 NBA Finals: The Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz with a score of 96-54. This remains the most lopsided game in NBA Finals history, with Utah’s 54 points being the fewest ever scored by a team in an NBA playoff game.
- 2008 NBA Finals: The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92. This game also stands out as one of the most dominant performances in Finals history.
- 2013 NBA Finals: The San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Miami Heat with a 113-77 victory. This was another game that showcased a team’s overwhelming supremacy.
- 1978 NBA Finals: The Washington Bullets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 117-82, marking a definitive statement in the series.
- Tied for fifth place are two games: The Boston Celtics' 148-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1985 NBA Finals and their 129-95 win over the St. Louis Hawks in the 1961 NBA Finals. The 148 points scored by the Celtics in the 1985 game remain the most ever in an NBA Finals game.
Quotes from the Historic Performances
The players and coaches involved in these historic performances have often shared their reflections on these memorable games. "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," one commentator noted, highlighting the significance of the early lead.
Another remarked, "The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history," underscoring the historical context of the Celtics' first-quarter performance.
Regarding the 1998 Bulls' historic win, it's often recalled, "Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history." This is a testament to the dominant defensive display by the Bulls during that game.
In the 1985 Finals, when the Celtics scored 148 points, one observer noted, "It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986." The Celtics' impressive offensive output remains unmatched in Finals history.
Memorable performances and historic moments are key to the NBA Finals' allure, and the 2024 Celtics' first-quarter dominance has certainly earned its place in this illustrious history. As the series progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how this historic start influences the outcome of the Finals.