The Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the NBA Finals. In a dominant Game 4, the Mavs defeated the Boston Celtics 122-84. The game, which was a must-win for Dallas, featured a stellar performance by Luka Doncic and a lackluster showing from the Boston Celtics. This victory marked the third-largest margin of victory in NBA Finals history.
With this win, a Game 5 in the series is now necessary. The next game is set to take place in Boston on Monday, June 17th at 9:00 PM Brasília time. You can follow the action live on ge.globo.
Luka Doncic led the scoring with 29 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Kyrie Irving also had a strong performance with 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds. It’s worth noting that both players were benched at the end of the third quarter and did not return to the game. The Mavericks’ defense also played a crucial role in this victory.
On the Celtics’ side, the team struggled to find their rhythm. Jason Tatum led the team in scoring with 15 points. One concerning statistic was their low shooting percentage. The Celtics only converted 35% of their two-point shots and 32% of their three-point attempts. In the previous three games of the Finals, their shooting percentages were significantly higher. This offensive performance was the worst of the Celtics’ postseason.
Dallas came out strong from the beginning of Game 4. The Mavs maintained a lead for most of the first half, at one point leading by 26 points. Boston scored 21 points in the first quarter, while Dallas put up 34. The second quarter was particularly challenging for Boston, as they only managed to score 14 points. The Mavericks held a commanding 61-35 lead at halftime.
The third quarter made history in the NBA. With a score of 92-60, it became the second-largest lead in a 3rd quarter of a Finals game. Dallas controlled the game with ease and even had the luxury of resting their starters after the period ended. In the final quarter, an unexpected player took the spotlight. Tim Hardaway Jr., who had not seen much playing time in the playoffs, made five consecutive three-pointers and scored 15 points in the game. Dallas ultimately secured a 122-84 victory.
The NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and the Mavericks promises to be an exciting battle for the championship title. The momentum is now on Dallas’s side as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive and continue their quest for the NBA title. The upcoming Game 5 will be a crucial moment for both teams to showcase their strengths and determination on the court. Fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown as the series unfolds.