Historic First Quarter in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Finals
In a thrilling start to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics wasted no time establishing their dominance over the Dallas Mavericks, racing to a 37-20 lead by the end of the first quarter. This 17-point advantage marked the largest lead after a quarter in NBA Finals history. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Celtics emerged victorious with a 107-89 win. Despite the impressive performance, this outcome wasn't among the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history.
Exceeding Expectations Yet Falling Short of Historic Blowouts
While the Celtics' victory was commanding, it fell short of entering the annals of the most lopsided NBA Finals games. Here's a look at the top five biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history:
1. 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz
The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, dismantled the Utah Jazz with a resounding 96-54 win in Game 3. The Jazz struggled mightily, shooting just 30% (21-70) from the field and a dismal 11.1% (1-9) from beyond the arc. To add to their woes, Utah committed 26 turnovers, and their 54 points remain the fewest ever scored by a team in NBA playoff history. This 42-point defeat still stands as the largest blowout in NBA Finals history.
2. 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers
In Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics, powered by their "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, routed the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92. This 39-point rout marked the largest blowout in an NBA Finals closeout game and secured Boston's first championship since 1986. The Celtics' defensive prowess and offensive firepower overwhelmed Kobe Bryant and his Lakers.
3. 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat
The San Antonio Spurs thoroughly dominated the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals, cruising to a 113-77 victory. The Spurs were on fire from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 52.9% from three-point range. They outscored Miami 63-33 in the second half, completely outclassing the star-studded trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Heat, however, rebounded from this 36-point loss to win Game 4 and ultimately claim their second consecutive championship.
4. 1978 NBA Finals: Bullets vs. SuperSonics
In Game 6 of the 1978 NBA Finals, the Washington Bullets delivered a decisive 117-82 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. Elvin Hayes had a standout performance with 21 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 steals. The Bullets dominated the boards with two players grabbing at least 12 rebounds each and their bench outscoring Seattle's reserves 63-32. This 35-point blowout set the stage for Washington's surge to an NBA title.
T-5. 1985 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Lakers
T-5. 1961 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Hawks
The Boston Celtics have two 34-point wins in NBA Finals history, tying for the fifth-largest blowouts. The first occurred in 1961, when Bill Russell grabbed 34 rebounds, helping Boston to a 129-95 victory over the St. Louis Hawks. The second came in 1985 against the Lakers, where the Celtics scored a record 79 first-half points and led by 30 at halftime, finishing with a 148-114 victory. The 148 points scored by Boston remain the highest total ever in an NBA Finals game.
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."
"The 17-point advantage marked the largest advantage after a quarter of play in NBA Finals history."
"Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history."
"It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986."
"The 148 points by the Celtics are still the most ever in a NBA Finals game."
The 2024 NBA Finals have already delivered a historic moment with Boston's explosive start. Whether this sets the tone for the series or serves as a prelude to another dramatic NBA Finals chapter remains to be seen. Fans can only hope the drama on the court continues to live up to the incredible history of this storied event.