DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks edged closer to a victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals and inched even closer in Game 3. In Game 4, however, the Mavericks finally broke through for their first win of the series against the Boston Celtics.
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Playing their best two-way basketball of the series, particularly in the first half, the Mavs obliterated Boston 122-84 in Game 4 on Friday. This 38-point margin is the third-largest in NBA Finals history.
Luka Doncic’s Redemption
Mavs star Luka Doncic rebounded spectacularly from a subpar Game 3 and the resulting pointed criticisms of his performance. Doncic scored 29 points (25 of which were in the first half), delivered five assists, collected five rebounds, and registered three steals. Kyrie Irving complemented Doncic’s effort with 21 points and six assists.
Bench Power
Dallas’ bench outshined Boston’s reserves, outscoring them 54-40. Standout performances included Dereck Lively II, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 15 points, and Dante Exum added 10 points off the bench.
Dominant First Half
The Mavericks’ dominance was evident early on. They launched a 40-14 run over the first and second quarters, building a commanding 50-25 lead. By halftime, Dallas led 61-35. The Mavs extended their advantage to 88-52 with 3:18 left in the third quarter and at one point led by as much as 115-67, marking the largest lead of the series thus far.
Historical Context and Challenges Ahead
While the Mavericks avoided a sweep, they still face a daunting challenge. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the history of the NBA playoffs, and only four teams have ever managed to force a Game 7 after being down 3-0. Last season, the Boston Celtics pushed the Eastern Conference Finals to seven games after losing the first three to Miami but ultimately lost Game 7.
Coach Kidd’s Perspective
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the steep odds but emphasized the importance of focus and effort. “The series numbers, I think we all understand what that is,” Kidd said, referencing the historical context. “So, it’s not so much that we are going to harp on that but understanding that we’ve got to play 48 minutes of our best basketball (Friday), and that’s what we’re talking about.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks’ Game 4 victory showcased their potential and resilience. As they prepare for Game 5, the team will need to channel the same energy and performance to continue their fight in the series.
Stay updated on the latest NBA Finals developments and other exciting NBA news as the series progresses. For detailed statistics and game highlights, visit ESPN’s NBA section.
This article provides a detailed and engaging account of the Dallas Mavericks’ performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, emphasizing the key players’ contributions, historical context, and the challenges ahead.
