Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, preventing a sweep.
The Mavs secured their first win of the series with a 122-84 victory at American Airlines Center. Dončić scored 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kyrie Irving added 21 points and 6 assists. The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were held to 15 and 10 points, respectively, their lowest totals of the series.
The Celtics maintain a 3-1 lead as they return home for Game 5 at TD Garden, where they will try to cap the series and earn their 18th NBA championship. Dallas took the first step,
Tim MacMahon: Dončić was locked in, and the Mavs followed his lead. Dončić heard the criticism following Game 3 and responded the right way. He avoided the distraction of complaining to officials, instead pouring that energy into defensive effort and interacting with his teammates. He efficiently attacked offensively, too, scoring 22 of his 29 points in the paint. Dončić’s focused, fighting spirit was infectious. The Mavs, especially rookie big man Dereck Lively II, followed suit and physically dominated the Celtics.
Tim MacMahon: Dončić was locked in, and the Mavs followed his lead. Dončić heard the criticism following Game 3 and responded the right way. He avoided the distraction of complaining to officials, instead pouring that energy into defensive effort and interacting with his teammates. He efficiently attacked offensively, too, scoring 22 of his 29 points in the paint. Dončić’s focused, fighting spirit was infectious. The Mavs, especially rookie big man Dereck Lively II, followed suit and physically dominated the Celtics.
