Mavericks trounce Celtics in Game 4 to stave off elimination

The Dallas Mavericks' backs were against the wall, facing the reality of a sweep. However, an aggressive start on both ends of the floor helped them run away with Game 4 of the NBA Finals, staving off elimination for at least another day. 

After fouling out in a brutal Game 3 loss, Luka Doncic said he and his teammates had what it took to overcome a 3-0 deficit. On Friday, he and the Mavericks backed it up, jumping on the Celtics early en route to an overwhelming 122-84 win, the third-largest margin of victory in NBA Finals history.

Doncic rose to the challenge, taking charge early on the offensive end, finishing with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding four assists and three rebounds in the first half. His 25 points top Dirk Nowitzki for the most in a half by a Mavericks player in a Finals game. 

WHAT A 1ST HALF FROM LUKA DONCIC

25 points, 4 assists and a 61-35 Mavs lead.

Game 4 on ABC pic.twitter.com/YtZDjHDlKn

— NBA (@NBA) June 15, 2024

Meanwhile, Doncic was noticeably more active on the defensive end, setting the tone for the rest of the team. The Mavericks shut the door early, limiting the Celtics to just 36.3 (29-of-80) shooting from the field.

Likewise, Dallas never let Boston's stars get going. Jayson Tatum (15 points), Jrue Holiday (10 points) and Jaylen Brown (10 points) scored a combined 35 points, shooting 11-of-32 from the floor.

Conversely, Doncic's big night, paired with 21 points from Kyrie Irving and a massive effort off the bench from Dereck Lively (11 points, 12 rebounds), was pretty much all the Mavericks needed. That and a virtually impenetrable defense. 

The Mavs still trail the series 3-1, and the fact that no team in NBA Finals history has ever come back from a 3-0 hole is still hanging over their heads. However, they took the first step on Friday, with the next obstacle coming in Game 5 on Sunday, back in the unfriendly confines of TD Garden.