Mavericks Fight Back
In Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Mavericks, facing a 0-3 deficit, refused to give up. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the charge, scoring 29 and 21 points respectively. The team’s tenacious defense stifled the Celtics, leading to a decisive victory. By the end of the third quarter, the Mavericks had a 30-point lead, and both teams benched their starters in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks’ 122-84 win marked the largest margin of victory in NBA Finals history, bringing the series to 1-3.
First Quarter Fireworks
Doncic and Irving set the tone early, scoring 12 and 9 points respectively in the first quarter, matching the Celtics’ total points. The Mavericks ended the quarter with a 34-21 lead. Their defense was relentless, and the Celtics struggled to find their rhythm.
Dominant Second Quarter
In the second quarter, the Mavericks’ frontcourt players stepped up, and their defense continued to pressure the Celtics, who shot just 3 of 10 from beyond the arc. The Mavericks controlled the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds to the Celtics’ 7, including 4 offensive rebounds. By halftime, the Mavericks had a commanding 61-35 lead.
Unstoppable in the Third
The Mavericks maintained their dominance in the third quarter. Daniel Gafford’s highlight-reel plays, including an alley-oop dunk from a Doncic assist and a block on Jayson Tatum’s three-point attempt, energized the crowd. Gafford’s efforts also drew Tatum’s fourth personal foul. The Mavericks’ relentless attack extended their lead to 92-60 by the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter Cruise
The Celtics conceded defeat in the fourth quarter, bringing in their bench players as the game entered garbage time. The Mavericks secured a historic 38-point victory, avoiding a sweep and setting an NBA Finals record for the largest margin of victory. Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled, scoring just 15 and 10 points respectively, as the Celtics’ offense faltered.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
Game 5 will take place on the 18th in Boston. The Mavericks will aim to extend the series on the road, while the Celtics will look to clinch the championship at home. Fans eagerly await to see if the Mavericks can continue their comeback or if the Celtics will secure the title. (JILICC)