The Dallas Mavericks avoided being swept in the NBA Finals, winning Game 4 in dominating fashion. Two days after a devastating Game 3 loss, the Mavericks beat the Celtics 122-84 on Friday. There’s just one problem — it’s too late.
Despite the impressive win, the Celtics are on their way to winning the franchise’s 18th championship.
Luka Doncic responded to adversity like a superstar should, scoring 29 points and adding five rebounds and five assists in the first NBA Finals win of his career. But Dallas needed that effort from Doncic in Game 3.
Instead, Doncic, who scored 27 on Wednesday, fouled out with just over four minutes left. Doncic’s early exit hampered his team down the stretch. And while some may argue the validity of Doncic’s sixth foul, he put himself in that situation by arguing with the referees all game.
The Mavericks have already lost twice in this series when Doncic scored over 30 points, making his play insufficient to turn the series around completely.
Fast-forward to where the series currently stands: The Celtics still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead. The odds also point to Boston lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for several reasons.
Much like Doncic refused to let his team down in back-to-back games, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are unlikely to struggle in the same game again. They combined for 25 points in Game 4, a point total they usually approach independently. And based on how this series has been going, if even one of them gets back to form, it’s over.
Aside from Game 4, a rare poor performance for the Celtics as a team, Dallas will have to win a game in Boston to extend this series. While good teams can usually win anywhere, the Celtics are riding a five-game home win streak. Boston has only lost two games at home throughout the entire playoffs.
Even if the Mavs win Games 5 and 6, they must win Game 7 in Boston to complete the historic comeback. History is just not on their side.
No NBA team has ever come back to win a series after trailing 3-0. Only one team has ever stormed back from down 3-1 — LeBron James leading the Cavaliers to a title over the Warriors in 2016.
So even though Dallas showed heart by dominating in an elimination game, it’s hard to believe they will enjoy a similar result three more times in a row. If Doncic, 25, and his Mavericks can return to the NBA Finals stage, they will be better equipped to win. But as for the present day, Game 4 won’t change the trajectory of this series.
