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Kristaps Porzingis · In preparation for the hefty task of surviving the NBA’s highest-scoring starting five — and its No. 1-ranked first quarter offense — the Dallas Mavericks knew that the Boston Celtics’ early-game statement would be equal parts harsh and inevitable. As fate would have it, the series’ first haymaker would instead arrive from an all-too-familiar source along the bench. Powered by the adrenaline of his first game in 38 days, Kristaps Porziņģis attacked the NBA Finals stage with neither peer nor fear, using his unmatchable reach to fuel an unforgettable sequence. Having already overwhelmed Dallas’ defense with his inside-the-arc skillset, Porziņģis curtains an 11-point first quarter with a quick-trigger 3-pointer. Given no time to celebrate with the elusive Kyrie Irving preparing a pick-and-roll attack, Porziņģis takes on the task, attaching himself just closely enough to swat away the pull-up jumper, setting the stage for a teammate’s triple just seconds later. Porziņģis — welcomed with a goosebumps-inducing ovation as Boston’s final arrival out of the tunnel — fittingly sent Game One’s first enduring message in the win on June 6, 2024. Needing just 21 minutes to steal the show against his former team, Porziņģis turned in 20 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two 3-pointers. · State of Mint