As the headline says, the Dallas Mavericks face elimination in a do-or-die Game 4 versus the Boston Celtics on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Central on ABC and ESPN. The Mavericks vs. Celtics game at the American Airlines Center might not be a must-see matchup for Mavericks fans, but a namesake matchup for the traveling Celtics fans in Dallas, Texas.
The Mavericks enter Friday’s Game 4 with a 3-0 series deficit, while the Celtics carry a commanding 3-0 series lead. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, and the Mavericks probably won’t come back and beat the Celtics. Maybe Mavericks fans will see the team mount a 3-1 comeback, but it’s unlikely.
No matter what happens next, Dallas must take it one game at a time to extend the series against Boston. Here are my top three points about the Mavericks.
Boston Celtics Halts Dallas Mavericks’ Comeback Effort
The Boston Celtics halted the Dallas Mavericks’ comeback attempt in Game 3 at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night. The Celtics beat the Mavericks 106-99.
Despite nearly losing a 21-point lead, Boston is just one win away from winning a record 18th NBA Championship with a potential victory in Dallas on Friday night. In case you missed it, the Celtics regained control in the third quarter of Game 3 after seeing an opportunity as Mavericks stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving appeared to tire out. As a result, the Celtics hit the Mavericks with a barrage of three-pointers to take a commanding lead.
The Mavericks went on an impressive 22-2 run in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics survived the Mavericks’ comeback. The Celtics especially benefited when Luka Doncic fouled out of the game with 4:12 left in regulation. Doncic left the game with 27 points, six assists, and six rebounds. This was a first for Doncic, who hasn’t fouled out this regular season and postseason and in his postseason career so far.
Dallas Mavericks ‘ Post-Season Run is Almost Over
The Dallas Mavericks’ postseason run is almost over — or at least things just seem impossible at the moment. Either way, Dallas might build off of an improved Game 3 and show some fight in Game 4 vs. Boston on Friday. Dallas could start by finding a way to stifle the Celtics’ balanced offense ahead of Game 4.
Game 3 felt like a lost cause for the Mavericks, despite the team’s home-court advantage. The Jumbotron camera shifted to get a close-up of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Tyler, Texas native Patrick Mahomes, and his wife, Brittany, sitting courtside. The MC reportedly asked the home crowd to make some noise. If the Mavericks had a commanding lead over the Celtics and held on for a win, the crowd wouldn’t be as silent.
Dallas Mavericks Star Luka Doncic Must Control His Emotions
The Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of elimination, but there’s an arguable back-breaking strategy that was the primary reason why Luka Doncic and the Mavericks found themselves in this position.
As in the first entry, Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 after attempting to reverse his sixth foul of the night. Doncic’s sixth foul was his third foul in five minutes during the fourth quarter. Doncic’s apparent arguing didn’t help his cause, as the Mavericks also challenged the call, but the call stood. Doncic’s meltdown not only cost his team the game but also made him look bad.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told ESPN, “He’s definitely got a bull’s-eye on his chest … He’s got to be able to guard and understand that we’re there to protect him and help him if he does get beat.”
Luka Doncic has to control his emotions entering Game 4, while the rest of the Mavericks team needs to improve their outside shooting, shift into more focused play, and draw energy from their home crowd.
About the Author
Ana is an accomplished journalist with various credentials in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. With a diverse background and a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Jose State University, Ana can deliver the news in a timely manner and share her opinions with confidence. Her other articles can be found here.
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Ana is an accomplished journalist with various credentials in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. With a diverse background and a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Jose State University, Ana can deliver the news in a timely manner and share her opinions with confidence.
