Mavericks Avoid Sweep, Rally to Dismantle Celtics for Third-Largest Finals Win
Published on 2024-06-15
In Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Boston Celtics 122-84, avoiding a sweep.
The Dallas Mavericks avoided a sweep in the 2024 NBA Finals, crushing the Boston Celtics 122-84 in Game 4. Despite still trailing 3-1, the Celtics' momentum was halted with their first loss since May.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 29 points, sparking a 26-point halftime advantage. Their dominant performance included 50% field goal accuracy and holding the Celtics to 35 first-half points. Doncic's efforts masked an off shooting night, becoming the third-youngest player to score 25 points in the first half of a Finals game.
The Celtics struggled mightily, shooting a dismal 29.7% in the first half and converting only 14 of 41 three-point attempts. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 61 points in Game 3, managed just 25 points on poor shooting.
Despite their loss, the Celtics' playoff record remains impressive at 15-3. However, they now face a daunting task: no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history.
Game 5 will be crucial for the Mavericks, who must prevent the Celtics from securing their 18th championship banner in Boston on Monday.
Key Takeaways:
* Luka Doncic showed improved defensive effort, contributing 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals alongside his scoring.
* The Mavs stepped up their defense, limiting Boston to 35 points in the first half and contesting shots near the rim.
* Kyrie Irving snapped a 3-year losing streak against the Celtics, scoring 21 points in an efficient performance. The Mavs depend on him to sustain this momentum in Game 5, facing the challenge of hostile Boston fans eager to close out the championship on home soil.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 29 points, sparking a 26-point halftime advantage. Their dominant performance included 50% field goal accuracy and holding the Celtics to 35 first-half points. Doncic's efforts masked an off shooting night, becoming the third-youngest player to score 25 points in the first half of a Finals game.
The Celtics struggled mightily, shooting a dismal 29.7% in the first half and converting only 14 of 41 three-point attempts. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 61 points in Game 3, managed just 25 points on poor shooting.
Despite their loss, the Celtics' playoff record remains impressive at 15-3. However, they now face a daunting task: no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history.
Game 5 will be crucial for the Mavericks, who must prevent the Celtics from securing their 18th championship banner in Boston on Monday.
Key Takeaways:
* Luka Doncic showed improved defensive effort, contributing 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals alongside his scoring.
* The Mavs stepped up their defense, limiting Boston to 35 points in the first half and contesting shots near the rim.
* Kyrie Irving snapped a 3-year losing streak against the Celtics, scoring 21 points in an efficient performance. The Mavs depend on him to sustain this momentum in Game 5, facing the challenge of hostile Boston fans eager to close out the championship on home soil.