The Dallas Mavericks showed a lot of pride on Friday night in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. They got on the board as they dominated and defeated the Celtics 122-84.
According to Elias Sports, this is the third-largest margin(38) of victory in a Finals game in NBA history; the Mavs led by as many as 48 points.
The Celtics, who lead the series 3-1, 10-game playoff winning streak has been snapped; however, they can end the series on Monday night as the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5.
Dallas came out with energy on both ends of the court. The Mavs held the Celtics to 35 points on 30% shooting in the first half, and Luka Doncic, who struggled on both ends in Game 3, scored 25 of his game-high 29 points in the first half, and Kyrie Irving added 11 of his 21 points in that half.
The Mavs led 61-35 at the break. Doncic and Irving combined for 36 points at halftime, outscoring the Celtics in the first half.
In Game 3, Doncic was occupied with referees and would foul out. He had a different attitude in Game 4.
“Just helps out my team,” Doncic said. “We were locked in, especially on the defense end. We played with pace. It helped them. I’m here to help them in every way I can. We just got to play like that.”
Doncic was also criticized for his defense in Game 3, but according to Irving, Doncic made everybody “eat their words.”
“I think he made a few people eat their words. In a healthy way — I’ll say that in a healthy way,” Irving said. “I think this is his first opportunity and first taste of what it’s like to be on this stage and to not play up to your capabilities or be out there toward the end of the game where every mistake is magnified… He responded very well. I expected it. I think a lot of people expected it they have seen Luka and known Luka. Just didn’t know how it was going to happen.”
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd felt Doncic did what he usually does for the team.
“Yeah, I thought he was great,” Kidd said. “He’s been great. Some would say differently. He’s averaging over 25 in this series, I think. He’s playing at a very high level. I don’t know so much respond. He’s been doing everything for us on the offensive end and defensive end. I thought he played his game tonight. He didn’t force anything.”
Pride got Dallas Game 4; Plus, they got key contributions from Dante Exum(10 points), and Dereck Lively(11 points and 12 rebounds).
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