The Dallas Mavericks faced a pivotal moment in their NBA Finals journey against the Boston Celtics, and they rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. With their season on the line, the Mavericks delivered one of the most dominant performances in Finals history, defeating the Celtics 122-84 in Game 4 and preventing a sweep.
Luka Doncic was the standout performer, scoring 25 of his 29 points in the first half, setting the tone for the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving added 21 points, helping Dallas build a commanding lead early in the game. By the end of the third quarter, Dallas had secured a substantial lead, allowing their star players to rest and savor the victory.
The 38-point margin of victory was the third largest in NBA Finals history, trailing only Chicago’s win over Utah in 1998 and Boston’s victory against the Lakers in 2008. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the simplicity of their game plan, crediting his team’s preparation and motivation for the emphatic win. “Our team was prepared. They were motivated to succeed, and tonight, we made a statement,” Kidd said.
Dallas took control from the start, leading by 13 points after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 26 points by halftime. The Mavericks’ relentless play continued in the third quarter, where they pushed their lead to 38 points, effectively sealing the game and giving their bench players significant minutes.
Despite the heavy loss, the Celtics still hold a 3-1 series lead, with Game 5 set to take place in Boston. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the effort but admitted that Dallas outplayed them. “Our team came out with the right mindset, but Dallas simply played with more intensity,” Mazzulla remarked.
In addition to Doncic and Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 15 points in the fourth quarter, while Dereck Lively II impressed with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Lively’s early three-pointer set the tone for the Mavericks, who maintained control throughout the game despite some missed opportunities.
The Celtics faced several challenges, including their lowest-scoring half in coach Mazzulla’s tenure. Their 35-point halftime score was a season low and their second-largest halftime deficit of the year. Despite a strong postseason run, Boston’s hopes of sweeping both the conference finals and the NBA Finals were dashed by this resounding defeat.
As the series heads back to Boston, the Mavericks are determined to build on this momentum. Doncic remains confident, emphasizing that the goal is to win four games. “We still believe we can do it. We’ll keep pushing forward. I have great confidence in this team,” Doncic stated.
With their season extended, the Mavericks have shown they are not ready to concede. The stage is set for an intense Game 5 as Dallas aims to keep their championship hopes alive.
