**Thunder** create distance in second half after tweaking rotation – What unexpected hero emerged for the Celtics against the Cavaliers in Game 1?

Boston, Massachusetts – The Boston Celtics secured a convincing victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, despite Jayson Tatum having an off night. On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks struggled against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with superstar Luka Dončić facing difficulties on the court.

The Thunder managed to pull away in the second half after making adjustments to their rotation during Game 1. Coach Mark Daigneault’s strategic substitutions, including bringing in Isaiah Joe, proved to be effective in changing the course of the game. The Mavericks, on the other hand, faced challenges as Dončić struggled, leading to a significant loss.

As the series progresses, the performances of key players like Giddey, Joe, and Gilgeous-Alexander will be crucial to watch. With intense matchups ahead, Coach Daigneault’s lineup choices and the Mavericks’ offensive strategy will be closely monitored in the upcoming games to determine their success.

Meanwhile, in the Celtics-Cavaliers matchup, an unexpected hero emerged for Boston as they took a commanding lead in Game 1. Luke Kornet’s impactful performance in the absence of Kristaps Porziņģis provided a boost for the Celtics, while Cleveland faced challenges in finding offensive rhythm.

Derrick White’s stellar shooting display ignited the Celtics, as he delivered a remarkable performance from beyond the arc. Despite Tatum’s struggles, White’s consistent scoring and offensive contribution were instrumental in Boston maintaining a lead throughout the game.

In contrast, the Cavaliers struggled with their outside shooting and defensive matchup against the Celtics’ perimeter-oriented style. With Jarrett Allen sidelined due to injury, Cleveland faces the challenge of adapting their gameplay to counter Boston’s offensive strategy effectively.

Moving forward, the series between the Celtics and Cavaliers promises to be closely contested, with Game 3 acting as a critical turning point. The performances of key players like Mitchell, Mobley, and Tatum will play a vital role in determining the outcome of the series, with both teams aiming for a strong showing in the upcoming games.