Team Effort Leads to Blowout
Previously relying heavily on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks unleashed a full team effort in a must-win Game 4. With a shooting percentage of 50.4%, they demolished the Boston Celtics 122-84, avoiding a sweep and cutting the series deficit to 1-3. This 38-point win marks the third-largest margin in NBA Finals history.
Historic First Half Lead
By halftime, the Mavericks had already built a 26-point lead over the Celtics. They extended this lead to 48 points in the second half, setting a 50-year record for the largest lead in Finals history. Dallas fans were ecstatic, celebrating as if they had already won the championship. The game entered garbage time early, with both teams rotating in their bench players.
Historical Context
The largest margin of victory in NBA Finals history remains the Chicago Bulls’ 42-point win over the Utah Jazz in Game 3 of the 1998 Finals (96-54). The second-largest is the Celtics’ 39-point win over the Lakers in Game 6 of the 2008 Finals (131-92). With their 38-point blowout in Game 4, the Mavericks now hold the third-largest margin in Finals history.
Contributions Across the Board
In addition to Doncic’s 29 points and Irving’s 21, Tim Hardaway Jr., who had been struggling, contributed 15 points, marking his first points in the Finals. Rookie Dereck Lively II added an impressive 11 points and 12 rebounds. In total, 13 out of 15 Mavericks players scored, combining to force a Game 5.
Celtics’ Struggles
The Celtics’ performance was lackluster on both ends of the court. They managed only 35 points in the first half, setting a 14-year low for first-half scoring in the Finals. The team’s shooting percentage was a poor 36.2%. Jayson Tatum scored just 15 points, while Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday each added only 10 points.
Looking Ahead
With this commanding victory, the Mavericks have extended the series to Game 5, which will be held in Boston. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances as the series continues. (Phlwin)