BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 06: Kristaps Porzingis #8 high fives Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 06, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Jayson Tatum Credits 'Amazing' Kristaps Porziņģis After Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Mavs

Julia StumbaughJun 6, 2024

Jayson Tatum credited big man Kristaps Porziņģis with driving the Boston Celtics out to a 21-point first-half lead over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

"Big fella was amazing," Tatum said after the Celtics' 107-89 Thursday night victory. "The way he kind of jump-started that first half for us, how seamless his transition was coming back... man, we needed him tonight."

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Porziņģis racked up 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting in the first half to help the Celtics climb out to the early lead at home.

Porziņģis finished the game with 20 points, while adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes on the court.

"KP was amazing," Celtics center Al Horford said after the win. "It was so good to have him back there. His energy was inspiring."

The Celtics center made his return Thursday after spending over a month sidelined with a calf injury. He last played in Game 4 of Boston's first-round series against the Miami Heat.

Boston will be happy to keep him in the rotation as the Celtics look to come one win closer to a title when the Mavericks return to TD Garden on Sunday.