The Dallas Mavericks were down 0-3 to the Boston Celtics as both NBA teams entered Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center on Friday night. Previously, Dallas almost turned around Game 3 versus Boston at the AAC with a strong 22-2 run in the fourth quarter, but the latter survived the former’s comeback.
Game 4 was a fresh start for both teams, as the Celtics had a chance to capture their 18th championship while the Mavericks had an opportunity to extend the NBA Finals to five-plus games. But only one team won — and that team was the Mavericks, who blew out the Celtics 122-84 in a do-or-die Game 4.
Here’s more on how the Mavericks could rain on Monday night’s Celtics parade in Game 5 at TD Garden.
Dallas Mavericks’ Solid First Half vs. Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics’ head coach Joe Mazzulla initially listed Kristaps Porzingis as questionable ahead of Game 4 due to his lower-leg injury suffered in Game 2. Porzingis reportedly went through an open-court workout about two and a half hours before the game. Mazzulla later made the Latvian big man available but added he’ll “only be used in specific instances, if necessary.”
The Celtics were down a big man without Porzingis, a former Dallas Maverick from 2019 to 2022, but the Dallas Mavericks had a full slate of players. The Mavericks’ 36-21 lead in the second quarter was their largest of the series, and they led the Celtics 61-35 at the end of the first half. The Mavericks could thank their improved offensive rebounding and lockdown defense for their first-half success.
Dallas Mavericks Benefit from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
The Mavericks took a first-quarter lead and pretty much never looked back en route to a 122-84 blowout of the Celtics in Game 4 at the AAC. Luka Doncic led all scorers with 29 points and added five rebounds and five assists. Kyrie Irving was the second-leading scorer with 21 points, along with four rebounds and six assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 points while contributing three rebounds and one assist. Dereck Lively II added 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 50 points, which kept the Mavericks’ postseason run alive. Doncic and Irving were reportedly praised by Mavericks fans and NBA fans in general, as the Doncic-Irving connection is arguably unmatched.
Despite the Celtics’ three-point advantage early in the first quarter, Doncic was apparently unafraid of the Celtics this time around. The Slovenian basketball star took over and set a Mavericks NBA Finals record after scoring 25 points in the first half.
Dallas Mavericks Can Continue to Fight
As the header says, the Dallas Mavericks can continue to fight in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks must remain cool, calm, and collected, though. The Celtics are a tough team to beat, especially when there’s a chance that they could win their 18th championship at the Garden.
Luka Doncic cannot afford to lose his temper again as he did in Game 3 at the AAC. Doncic can lead all scorers, but the Mavericks star can’t get the job done alone. Doncic’s supporting cast, including the Mavericks’ role players, must prepare for Game 5 and put their best foot forward to rain on the Celtics’ potential parade.
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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