Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals
The 2024 NBA Finals opened with a historic moment as the Boston Celtics built an enormous lead over the Dallas Mavericks. By the end of the first quarter, the Celtics led 37-20, marking the largest lead after a quarter in the history of the NBA Finals.
Celtics Dominate Game 1
Building on their commanding start, the Celtics maintained their dominance throughout the game, ultimately securing a 107-89 victory over the Mavericks. Although this performance was impressive, it did not rank among the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history.
Biggest Blowouts in NBA Finals History
The biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history are as follows:
- 1998 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz – The Bulls won 96-54.
- 2008 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers – The Celtics won 131-92.
- 2013 NBA Finals: San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat – The Spurs won 113-77.
- 1978 NBA Finals: Washington Bullets vs. Seattle SuperSonics – The Bullets won 117-82.
- 1985 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers – The Celtics won 148-114.
- 1961 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. St. Louis Hawks – The Celtics won 129-95.
Comparing Historic Performances
These historical blowouts highlight the significant margin of victory in various NBA Finals matchups over the years. The 1998 NBA Finals saw the Chicago Bulls decimate the Utah Jazz with a 42-point margin as they triumphed 96-54. This game remains noteworthy not only for the margin of victory but also because Utah's 54 points are still the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history.
The 2008 showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers is another memorable blowout, with the Celtics emerging victorious with a 131-92 scoreline. The Celtics' 39-point rout marked a dramatic and overwhelming win for the Boston team.
In the 2013 Finals, the San Antonio Spurs dismantled the Miami Heat with a final score of 113-77, showcasing a 36-point blowout. Similarly, the Washington Bullets' 1978 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics by 35 points (117-82) stands as a significant blowout in NBA Finals history.
Two games tie for the fifth spot in the biggest blowouts list. The 1985 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 148-114, with the 148 points scored by the Celtics standing as the most ever in an NBA Finals game. The other tied entry is from the 1961 NBA Finals, where the Celtics bested the St. Louis Hawks with a commanding 129-95 win.
Quotes from the 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," noted one commentator, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the Celtics' early dominance.
"The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history," another analyst remarked, underscoring the historical significance of the Celtics' performance.
Reflecting on the 1998 NBA Finals blowout, it was noted that "Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history," a statistic that highlights the Bulls' defensive prowess during that game.
In the 2008 Finals, one of the most significant moments was captured: "It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986," highlighting the importance of the Celtics' victory that year.
Furthermore, the 1985 blowout deserves mention, as "The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in an NBA Finals game," a record that continues to stand the test of time.
As we reflect on the recent and past NBA Finals games, these moments provide a rich context for understanding the varying dynamics and levels of competition that have defined the league's history. The Boston Celtics' historic first-quarter lead in Game 1 of the 2024 Finals adds another thrilling chapter to this ongoing saga.