The Dallas Mavericks managed to avoid elimination in the NBA Finals by defeating the Boston Celtics in a dominant fashion with a final score of 122-84 in Game 4. Led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks put on a show in the first half, building a significant lead that they maintained throughout the game. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of desperation and readiness in their performance, highlighting their commitment to continuing to fight in the series.
The Celtics, who had been on a 10-game postseason winning streak, suffered their first loss in five weeks at the hands of the Mavericks. Despite the defeat, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged that Dallas simply outplayed them and displayed a higher level of intensity. Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday were among the Celtics’ top scorers, but they were unable to match the Mavericks’ energy and determination in Game 4.
The Mavericks’ victory was characterized by strong performances from their players, including Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dereck Lively II, who contributed significantly to the team’s success. Lively’s early three-pointer set the tone for Dallas’s dominance in the game, showcasing the team’s offensive capabilities and defensive prowess. Despite the series still being 3-1 in favor of the Celtics, the Mavericks remain optimistic and determined to keep fighting until the end.
The first half of the game was a series of lowlights for the Celtics, as they struggled to keep up with the Mavericks’ scoring and defensive pressure. Boston faced its largest halftime deficit ever in an NBA Finals game, with historical lows in scoring and performance under Mazzulla’s leadership. Despite their efforts to mount a comeback in the second half, the Celtics were unable to overcome the Mavericks’ lead, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for Dallas.
The Mavericks’ convincing win in Game 4 defied the odds, as teams with a halftime lead of 23 or more points had never lost a game in the current season. Dallas’s resilience and focus on maintaining their lead ultimately secured them a much-needed win to extend the series. With Game 5 set to take place in Boston, both teams are gearing up for another competitive matchup as the Mavericks aim to continue their momentum and potentially stage a historic comeback in the NBA Finals.
While the Mavericks face a daunting task in trying to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, their performance in Game 4 has instilled confidence and belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. Kidd emphasized that the team has nothing to lose and will continue to fight until the end, showcasing their determination to challenge the odds and make a lasting impact in the NBA Finals. With the series still in favor of the Celtics, both teams are preparing for a critical Game 5 that could determine the outcome of the championship.
