The Dallas Mavericks stayed alive in the 2024 NBA Finals after blowing out the Boston Celtics and cut the series lead to 3-1 in Game 4 on Day 42 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Friday night.
The Mavericks started hot from the get-go and never looked back. Anchored by the shotmaking of superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas built a 26 point lead at halftime and finished the game with a 38-point advantage.
After a disappointing Game 3 playing uninspired basketball, Doncic stepped it up big time especially on defense, moving and sliding his feet and had a more concerted effort on that end of the floor. It ignited several Mavs runs throughout the entire game and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
Boston just didn’t have any answers against a surging Dallas offense and they will have another crack at closing the series out and win their 18th championship in Game 5 back in Boston.
Some takeaways from this game:
- Luka playing with more effort on defense is everything for the Mavs; everything starts and ends with him. Got to set better examples for his teammates
- An unforgettable game for Boston, lost a chance to close this series out. Now onto Game 5 in a crucial one, or else risk of coming back to Dallas and giving the Mavs the momentum
- After 4 games, it seems likely that Jaylen Brown could win Finals MVP over fellow Celtic superstar Jayson Tatum. Jrue Holiday also has a remote chance of winning the award with his strong performance
Game 5 will be on Monday June 17.
Check out our recap here: