The Dallas Mavericks, led by a determined Luka Doncic, stormed past the Boston Celtics in a decisive Game 4 victory, forcing the NBA Finals to return to Boston for a fifth game. Doncic’s 25-point first half set the tone for a night where the Mavericks finally received the support they needed to extend the series. Here are five key takeaways from the Mavericks’ resounding 122-84 win over the Celtics.
1. Celtics Missing Killer Instinct
Despite their dominance throughout the season, the Celtics faltered when it mattered most. Historically, great teams occasionally have off nights, but Boston’s lack of urgency in Game 4 was striking. They shot just 36% from the field and were outplayed from the start. Jrue Holiday’s uncharacteristic turnovers and the overall lethargic performance suggest a team that might have relaxed too much with a 3-0 series lead. As Coach Joe Mazzulla noted, the Celtics’ effort was lacking compared to a desperate Mavericks squad.
2. Mavericks Find Their Offense
Doncic’s hot start was crucial, but what really propelled Dallas was the collective offensive effort. The Mavericks shot 50% overall and 40% from beyond the arc, a significant improvement from previous games. Key contributions came from all corners, including an unexpected lift from Dante Exum off the bench. Coach Jason Kidd highlighted the team’s composure and execution, emphasizing the importance of playing their best with the season on the line.
3. Tough Night for Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum, who has been pivotal for the Celtics throughout the playoffs, had a night to forget. With just four baskets, four fouls, and three turnovers, Tatum struggled to make an impact, finishing with a minus-33 rating. His inability to rise to the occasion in an elimination game was notable, especially given his aspirations to cement his legacy among Celtic greats. For Boston to close out the series, Tatum will need to rediscover his form and lead by example.
4. The Absence of Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis, who played a significant role in the first two games, was sidelined again due to a leg injury. Despite being declared active, he never saw the floor in Game 4. This gave the Mavericks an opportunity to dominate inside, with Dereck Lively II stepping up to control the boards and add unexpected scoring. The Mavericks out-rebounded the Celtics 52-31, highlighting the impact of Porzingis’ absence on Boston’s interior defense. His potential return in Game 5 could be a crucial factor.
5. Mavericks’ Momentum Shift
The last five quarters have seen the Mavericks outscore the Celtics 151-105. While it’s too early to declare a series shift, Dallas has shown they can compete at a high level. Boston still holds the advantage with a 3-1 lead and home-court advantage for Game 5, but the Mavericks’ recent performances have injected uncertainty into the series. Jaylen Brown emphasized the need for the Celtics to learn from this defeat and approach the next game with renewed intensity.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
The Mavericks’ Game 4 victory ensures the 2024 NBA Finals, presented by YouTube TV, will continue. As the series heads back to Boston, the Celtics must regroup and refocus if they want to secure their 18th title. Meanwhile, Dallas will look to build on their recent success and extend the series further. Monday’s game promises to be a critical battle, with the Celtics aiming to close out the series and the Mavericks fighting to stay alive.