BTN News: The Dallas Mavericks came out swinging in a crucial Game 4 of the NBA Finals, making sure not to go away quietly and now we’re set for a Game 5. In a 122-84 win against the Boston Celtics, the Mavericks set numerous marks with a fast start that featured Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, injecting new life into the championship chase.
The decision put the Mavericks at a crossroads: prepare for Boston or prepare for the offseason. They did so with one of the most lopsided wins in Finals history. Luka Doncic had 25 of his 29 points in the first half, and Kyrie Irving scored 21 as the Mavericks staved off elimination to force the series back to LA.
Historic Blowout, Dallas Will forever Be a Part of NBA Finals History
The 38-point win was the 3rd-largest in NBA Finals history, with only Chicago’s 42-point win over Utah in 1998 and Boston’s 39-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 having been more one-sided. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised his team for its grit and resolve when calling 10-2, emphasizing the simplicity in their philosophy – playing free and easy is key.
The Mavericks ran away with the game early, building a 13-point lead after the first quarter and extending it to 26 points at halftime. Late in the third quarter, with Dallas leading by as many as 38, the teams started bringing in the reserves. It was especially brutal for the Celtics, aside from serving as their worst loss in NBA Finals history and putting an end to a 10-game postseason win streak.
Boston’s plight: All the preparation in the world but still can’t get right
Reflecting on the loss afterward, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla also said that his team, though it prepped well and wanted it badly, was just outplayed. The series now moves to Boston with the Celtics ahead 3-1 and a chance to clinch the series at home on Monday.
Jayson Tatum of Boston scored 15, as did Sam Hauser. Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday scored 10. But Dallas ran all over the Chiefs with abandon. The rookie Lively II opened up the game with his first 3 of his career, solidifying a double-double with 11 points and 12 boards, while Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 of his 16 points in the 4th quarter for Dallas.
Resilience To The End For The Dallas Mavericks
After the victory, Doncic echoed his initial sentiments about the team and its ability to come back in the series. The Mavericks led 61-35 at the break despite hitting only 5 of 15 from beyond the arc and 10 of 16 from the foul line in first 20 minutes.
Jrue Holiday agreed that Game 4 of the NBA Finals was one of the most difficult games to win. The Mavericks again scored at will against an out-of-control Boston defense and raced to a 76-42 lead early in the third period, effectively putting away the Celtics with lots of time still to go.
Celtics center Al Horford felt certain of that before Game 5. On the other hand, Mavericks’ coach Jason Kidd insisted that the fact the Mavericks have nothing to lose on Thursday night means they are still a dangerous foe.
The path to victory
Still, no team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in NBA history, although the Mavericks have to win the next game — at home — to make going even remotely interesting. That victory in Game 4 showcased their capabilities and resolve, and it set up what should be a thrilling finish to these NBA Finals.
