Doncic Leads the Charge
Luka Doncic delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 29 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 122-84 victory over the Boston Celtics. This crucial win prevented a sweep in the NBA Finals, with Kyrie Irving contributing 21 points. Doncic’s scoring spree, along with his defensive efforts, set the tone for the game and gave the Mavericks the boost they needed to stay alive in the series.
Breaking the Celtics’ Streak
The Mavericks ended the Celtics’ 10-game playoff winning streak. Despite this win, Dallas still faces a daunting task, aiming to become the first NBA team to come back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series. The Mavericks, now trailing 1-3, will head to Boston for Game 5 on the 17th, hoping to prevent the Celtics from claiming their 18th championship. The victory also marked the Mavericks’ first win over the Celtics in their last 14 matchups, a significant morale booster for the team.
Redemption for Doncic
After fouling out with just over four minutes left in Game 3, Luka Doncic faced harsh criticism. However, he redeemed himself by focusing on defense, helping to hold the Celtics to a 36.2% shooting percentage. Celtics star Jayson Tatum managed only 15 points, while Jaylen Brown scored just 10. Doncic’s performance was a testament to his resilience and determination, proving that he could handle the pressure and lead his team effectively even in dire circumstances.
Bench Players Step Up
Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the bench to score 15 points for the Mavericks. Rookie Dereck Lively added 11 points, including his first career three-pointer. This marked the first time in the series that the Mavericks scored over 100 points. The contributions from the bench were crucial, as they provided the depth and support needed to maintain the lead and secure the victory. Hardaway’s three-point shooting and Lively’s energy on the court were particularly noteworthy.
Celtics’ Struggles
The Celtics suffered their first road loss of the playoffs, ending their hopes for a historic 4-0 sweep in the NBA Finals. The Mavericks’ defensive efforts stifled Boston, leading to one of the largest margins of victory in Finals history. Boston’s shooting woes were apparent throughout the game, and their inability to break through Dallas’ defense compounded their difficulties. Tatum and Brown, typically reliable scorers, were unable to find their rhythm, highlighting the effectiveness of the Mavericks’ defensive strategies.
Historical Context
The 38-point margin of victory is the third-largest in NBA Finals history. The record is held by the Chicago Bulls, who defeated the Utah Jazz by 42 points in Game 3 of the 1998 Finals. The second-largest margin was a 39-point victory by the Celtics over the Lakers in Game 6 of the 2008 Finals. This win by the Mavericks not only kept their championship hopes alive but also etched their performance into the history books as one of the most dominant Finals victories.
Looking Forward to Game 5
With their dominant Game 4 win, the Mavericks have extended the series and will look to build on this momentum in Boston. The upcoming Game 5 will be crucial as Dallas seeks to continue their comeback and keep their championship hopes alive. The Mavericks will need to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on their offensive opportunities to challenge the Celtics on their home turf. This game will test the resolve and adaptability of both teams as the series progresses. (Betso88)