Mavs Dominate Game 4, Extend Series
In an impressive display of skill and dominance, the Dallas Mavericks kept their season alive by defeating the Boston Celtics 122-84 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Led by Luka Doncic’s stellar performance, the Mavericks showcased their abilities and proved they were not ready to go home just yet.
Doncic was on fire in the first half, scoring 25 of his 29 points. Kyrie Irving also contributed significantly with 21 points. The Mavericks took control of the game right from the start, leading by 13 points after the first quarter and extending their lead to 26 at halftime. At one point in the third quarter, they had a commanding 38-point advantage before both teams emptied their benches.
The 38-point margin of victory for the Mavericks is the third-largest ever in an NBA Finals game. This dominant performance surpassed the Celtics’ previous worst NBA Finals loss, a 33-point deficit against the Lakers in 1984. It was a humbling experience for the Celtics who had been on a franchise-record 10-game winning streak in the postseason.
Despite this resounding win for the Mavericks, the Celtics still hold a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 will take place in Boston on Monday, providing the Celtics with an opportunity to close out the series. However, the Mavericks have shown that they are not to be underestimated, and they have set the tone for a potentially thrilling comeback.
Tim Hardaway Jr. played a crucial role for Dallas, scoring all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter. Dereck Lively II also made an impact with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Lively’s early three-pointer set the tone for the game and gave the Mavericks the lead they would not relinquish.
The first half was particularly challenging for the Celtics, as they struggled to find their rhythm offensively. The 35 points they scored in the first half represented their lowest-scoring total in a half during Joe Mazzulla’s tenure as coach. Furthermore, the 26-point halftime deficit was the second-largest they had faced all season. These records demonstrate the magnitude of the Mavericks’ dominance.
Historically, teams with a halftime lead of 23 or more points have been virtually unbeatable, boasting a perfect 76-0 record this season. The Mavericks’ victory in Game 4 made it 77-0, highlighting their exceptional performance and defying statistical expectations.
The Celtics were hoping to make a comeback in the second half, but the Mavericks quickly extinguished any hope they had. A 15-7 run at the start of the third quarter pushed Dallas’ lead to an insurmountable 34 points. At that point, Mazzulla made the decision to pull all of his starters, conceding defeat with over three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Although the Mavericks face an uphill battle in the series, their victory in Game 4 gives them hope and sets the stage for an exciting comeback attempt. The Celtics now need to regroup and refocus as they head into Game 5, aware that the Mavericks are capable of turning the tide.
In conclusion, the Dallas Mavericks put on a show in Game 4, extending their season and making a statement. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the charge, overpowering the Celtics from the beginning. The Celtics experienced their worst NBA Finals loss in history, snapping their impressive winning streak. However, it is not over yet, as the Mavericks still have a long road ahead if they want to overcome their series deficit. Game 5 promises to be a thrilling matchup as both teams fight for their NBA Finals aspirations.
