The Dallas Mavericks were defeated by the Boston Celtics 107-89 in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. This was the sixth occasion in Jason Kidd’s coaching career with the Mavericks when they lost the first game of a playoff series. Even though the team lost, both the players and supporters are still hopeful about what lies ahead.
Kyrie Irving’s Perspective
Kyrie Irving likened Game 1 to the opening move in a game of chess. He thinks that both teams utilize this game as an opportunity to comprehend each other’s tactics and patterns. This method of “feeling out” is consistent with the Mavericks’ tendency to adapt and enhance their performance throughout the series.
Jason Kidd’s Resilient Mavericks
The Mavericks have consistently demonstrated their ability to bounce back after losing the first game. In the 2021–22 playoffs, they were defeated in Game 1 of each series but were able to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Coach Kidd continues to be optimistic, asserting, “Winning one game does not guarantee winning the series.”
Past Comebacks Under Kidd
- First Round vs. Jazz (2021-22): The Mavericks were defeated in Game 1, but ultimately triumphed in the series after six games. Despite Luka Dončić’s absence in the first three games, Jalen Brunson stepped up and guided the team to victory.
- Conference Semifinals vs. Suns (2021-22): Following a 2-0 deficit, Dallas went on to win four out of the next five games, with Games 6 and 7 being particularly impressive, leading them to the Western Conference Finals.
- Western Conference Finals vs. Warriors (2021-22): Although the Mavericks were behind 3-0, they were able to secure a victory in Game 4 before ultimately losing the series in five games.
- First Round vs. Clippers (2023-24): Dallas bounced back after losing in Game 1 to take the series 4-2, with Kyrie Irving’s strong play in the second half making a difference.
- First Round vs. Thunder (2023-24): The Mavericks bounced back from a Game 1 loss to defeat Oklahoma City 4-2, moving on to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals
During Game 1 against the Celtics, Dallas was behind by 21 points at halftime. Dončić’s 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in the third quarter fueled a comeback, narrowing the game to single digits. Nevertheless, Boston managed to regain control to clinch the win.
Looking Ahead
Luka Dončić, when discussing the defeat, mentioned, “Ultimately, a team must reach four victories.” We simply need to watch the movie and then proceed to the next one. In two days, a new game will be available, giving us another opportunity to win.”
The Mavericks have a history of bouncing back under Jason Kidd. As the series continues, fans can anticipate Dallas making the needed changes and putting up a tough battle.
The Dallas Mavericks were defeated by the Boston Celtics 107-89 in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. This was the sixth occasion in Jason Kidd’s coaching career with the Mavericks when they lost the first game of a playoff series. Even though the team lost, both the players and supporters are still hopeful about what lies ahead.
Kyrie Irving’s Perspective
Kyrie Irving likened Game 1 to the opening move in a game of chess. He thinks that both teams utilize this game as an opportunity to comprehend each other’s tactics and patterns. This method of “feeling out” is consistent with the Mavericks’ tendency to adapt and enhance their performance throughout the series.
Jason Kidd’s Resilient Mavericks
The Mavericks have consistently demonstrated their ability to bounce back after losing the first game. In the 2021–22 playoffs, they were defeated in Game 1 of each series but were able to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Coach Kidd continues to be optimistic, asserting, “Winning one game does not guarantee winning the series.”
Past Comebacks Under Kidd
- First Round vs. Jazz (2021-22): The Mavericks were defeated in Game 1, but ultimately triumphed in the series after six games. Despite Luka Dončić’s absence in the first three games, Jalen Brunson stepped up and guided the team to victory.
- Conference Semifinals vs. Suns (2021-22): Following a 2-0 deficit, Dallas went on to win four out of the next five games, with Games 6 and 7 being particularly impressive, leading them to the Western Conference Finals.
- Western Conference Finals vs. Warriors (2021-22): Although the Mavericks were behind 3-0, they were able to secure a victory in Game 4 before ultimately losing the series in five games.
- First Round vs. Clippers (2023-24): Dallas bounced back after losing in Game 1 to take the series 4-2, with Kyrie Irving’s strong play in the second half making a difference.
- First Round vs. Thunder (2023-24): The Mavericks bounced back from a Game 1 loss to defeat Oklahoma City 4-2, moving on to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals
During Game 1 against the Celtics, Dallas was behind by 21 points at halftime. Dončić’s 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in the third quarter fueled a comeback, narrowing the game to single digits. Nevertheless, Boston managed to regain control to clinch the win.
Looking Ahead
Luka Dončić, when discussing the defeat, mentioned, “Ultimately, a team must reach four victories.” We simply need to watch the movie and then proceed to the next one. In two days, a new game will be available, giving us another opportunity to win.”
The Mavericks have a history of bouncing back under Jason Kidd. As the series continues, fans can anticipate Dallas making the needed changes and putting up a tough battle.
