Mavericks Force Game 5 With Dominant Win Over Celtics

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, right, during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals, Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Ph

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks managed to stave off elimination in Game 4 of the NBA Finals with a resounding 122-84 victory over the Boston Celtics. Luka Doncic led the charge with 29 points, 25 of which came in the first half, while Kyrie Irving contributed 21 points to the Mavericks' cause.

The 38-point margin of victory for Dallas was the third-largest in NBA Finals history, underscoring the dominance they displayed throughout the game. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the team's readiness and desperation to keep their season alive, highlighting their relentless effort on the court.

Dallas established an early lead and never looked back, leading by 13 points after the first quarter and extending it to 26 by halftime. The Celtics, who had been on a 10-game postseason winning streak, were unable to match the Mavericks' intensity, suffering their first loss in five weeks.

Luka Doncic scored 29 points, 25 in the first half.

Third-largest victory margin in NBA Finals history for Dallas.

Celtics' 10-game postseason winning streak ends with this loss.

Game marked historic lows for Celtics under coach Joe Mazzulla.

Dallas established an early lead and maintained control throughout.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dereck Lively II made significant bench contributions.

Celtics still lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 in Boston next.

Mavericks show determination to keep their season alive.

Game 4 victory injects new life into Dallas' championship aspirations.

Highly anticipated Game 5 showdown set in Boston.

Despite the defeat, Boston still holds a 3-1 series lead, with Game 5 set to take place in Boston on Monday. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged Dallas' superior performance and expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back in the next game.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dereck Lively II made significant contributions off the bench for Dallas, further solidifying the team's commanding lead. Doncic remained optimistic about the Mavericks' chances moving forward, emphasizing the team's belief in their ability to overcome the odds.

The first half of the game was marked by historic lows for the Celtics, including their lowest-scoring total under Mazzulla's coaching tenure and their second-largest halftime deficit of the season. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Mavericks capitalized on their early lead and never relinquished control.

With a daunting 3-0 series deficit to overcome, Dallas faces an uphill battle to mount a comeback. However, their convincing Game 4 victory has injected new life into their championship aspirations, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Game 5 showdown in Boston.

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