The 2024 NBA Finals saw the Dallas Mavericks face a 3-0 series disadvantage against the Boston Celtics, with Luka Doncic being ejected in a crucial Game 3 due to a questionable foul call. However, the Mavericks managed to avoid a sweep with a dominant 122-84 victory in Game 4. Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the way, with Doncic scoring 29 points and Irving adding 21. The Mavericks outworked the Celtics in all aspects of the game, pushing the pace and relying on role players to shine.
Dallas’ role players finally stepped up on offense in Game 4, while the starting frontcourt elevated their defensive play to overwhelm the Celtics. Boston’s offense struggled, shooting just 36 percent from the floor and tallying only 31 rebounds compared to Dallas’ 65. Jrue Holiday had a rough game, committing five turnovers and recording a game-worst minus-38 plus-minus. Rookie center Dereck Lively II also had a standout performance, posting an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Celtics, who had been strong from beyond the arc in previous games, shot just 34.1 percent from three-point range in Game 4, while Dallas connected on 40.5 percent of their attempts. The 122-84 defeat marked one of the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history, with the 38-point margin being the third-largest in Finals history. The series now shifts back to Boston, where the Celtics aim to close out the series and secure their 18th title, while the Mavericks look to make history by rallying from an 0-3 series deficit.
Despite the Mavericks’ impressive Game 4 performance, they face an uphill battle to upset the Celtics and win the series. Should Boston win, they will claim an NBA-record 18th championship, their first since 2008. The Mavericks, who won their lone championship in 2011, need to accomplish a feat that has never been done in NBA history by coming back from a 0-3 series deficit to advance in the Finals. The matchup between these two powerhouse teams promises to be an exciting and intense battle as they vie for the ultimate prize in basketball.
