The Boston Celtics had been commanding the 2024 NBA Finals with three consecutive victories, placing them on the brink of claiming their 18th championship in franchise history as of Friday night.
The stage was set for what many anticipated could be a celebratory night for the Celtics.
However, the Dallas Mavericks had other plans.
Propelled by a stellar performance from Luka Doncic, who scored 29 points, and Kyrie Irving, who added 21 points, the Mavericks unleashed an overwhelming offensive display right from the opening tip. Their dynamic performance resulted in a resounding 122–84 victory over the Celtics, marking it as the third-largest margin of victory ever recorded in NBA Finals history.
The Mavericks exhibited remarkable efficiency, shooting 50.5% from the field and dominating the Celtics in every facet of the game. They led by as many as 48 points during the match, showcasing their prowess in both scoring in the paint, where they outscored the Celtics 60–26, and in rebounding, where they led 52–31.
The overwhelming dominance was such that Doncic and Irving were able to retire to the bench with still 1:29 left in the third quarter, their work for the night done early due to the massive lead.
To describe Game 4 merely as a blowout would indeed be an understatement.
It was a statement game from the Mavericks, who emphatically declared their resilience and refusal to be swept away.
The shockwave sent by this rout resonated across social media, with basketball enthusiasts and analysts sharing a flurry of reactions, ranging from disbelief at the Celtics’ collapse to admiration for the Mavericks’ tenacious performance.
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With the series now extended, attention shifts back to TD Garden—a fortress where the Celtics had posted a formidable 37–4 record during the regular season and an 8–2 mark in the playoffs.
Game 5, set to commence at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday night, promises to be a crucial juncture.
The Celtics aim to regroup and close out the series on their home court, while the Mavericks look to maintain their newfound momentum in an attempt to stage a remarkable comeback in the Finals.
