Dallas Mavericks Thrash Boston Celtics to Extend NBA Finals
Luka Doncic led a monumental Dallas festival this Friday, helping avoid a sweep by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Thanks to the Slovenian star's contribution of 29 points, the Mavericks dominated the game with a 122-84 victory in the fourth game. The Mavericks are now behind 3-1 in the series, which will return to the Celtics' home court for the fifth game.
No team has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit in an NBA playoff series, but the Texan team still dreams of making history. The fourth game showcased their fierce pride as they beat the Celtics, who had won ten consecutive postseason games but faltered dramatically this night. The Mavericks had a maximum lead of 48 points at the American Airlines Center and crushed the Celtics, who will still have a chance to clinch the title on Monday at the TD Garden in Boston.
This victory ranks as the third largest in NBA Finals history. The record is held by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, who defeated the Utah Jazz 96-54 in the 1998 Finals. Doncic excelled under the watchful eye of Sergio Ramos, donning a Slovenian shirt at the foot of the field. Doncic scored 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, made five assists, and stole the ball three times in 32 minutes of play.
With more than a 30-point lead, Doncic was able to rest the entire fourth quarter—a much-needed break given his recent knee and chest issues. His poor three-point shooting, zero of eight, was a mere anecdote, as was Kyrie Irving's one of six from the arc. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped up with five of six three-point attempts, adding fifteen points to the scoreboard.
Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks' coach, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. 'We had to play our best game; it was either this or we were going on vacation,' said Kidd. He also praised Doncic: 'He has been great in this series, averaging more than 25 points per game. He's playing at a high level, doing everything for us in defense and attack.'
Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics' coach, credited the Mavericks for their performance and explained that the defeat was more about Dallas's high level of play rather than Boston's failures. 'Dallas played really well. They were more aggressive and were hungrier,' noted Mazzulla.
The Mavericks' defense was also stellar, holding the Celtics to their lowest halftime score under Coach Mazzulla's reign. Dallas secured three times as many offensive rebounds and displayed impressive collective gameplay. Doncic appreciated Kidd's support, stating, 'Seeing him defend me and knowing that he supports us says a lot about the person he is. We will believe it until the end.'
- Despite these heroics, the path to victory remains challenging for the **Mavericks**. No team in NBA history has managed to overturn a three-game initial deficit. However, with relentless energy and team spirit as revealed in Game 4, the Mavericks may still dream of an historic comeback.
- Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was present at the game to support Doncic. The camaraderie between the two athletes highlights the cross-sport friendships that exist in the sports world. Doncic acknowledged the support, saying, 'Sergio is a legend in Madrid. It means a lot to me to see him here.'
- Before Game 4, Jason Kidd motivated his players by emphasizing the crucial nature of the match. 'We're taking off for Boston tomorrow, I hope you've packed your bags,' he told his team. The Mavs will now head to Boston with nothing to lose, aiming to shock the Celtics on their home turf.
- Doncic, having faced criticism after Game 3, found redemption in this resounding victory. Kidd and his team remain confident, rallying around their star player, who asserted, 'We will believe it until the end. I have confidence in this team to get there.'
