Doncic and Irving Lead the Charge
The Dallas Mavericks, determined to avoid a sweep, relied on stellar performances from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who combined for 50 points. The Mavericks decisively defeated the Boston Celtics 122-84, preventing the Celtics from celebrating a championship on Dallas’ home court and bringing the series to 1-3.
Firing on All Cylinders
Trailing 0-3 in the series, the Mavericks faced a must-win situation. From the first quarter, they unleashed their offensive firepower, leading 61-35 at halftime. The Celtics’ attempts to rally in the third quarter were futile, and the game turned into a blowout by the final period. Doncic scored 29 points on 12-of-26 shooting, while Irving added 21 points on 10-of-18 shooting, helping the Mavericks hold their ground at home.
Defensive Mastery
A key to the Mavericks’ success was their defense, which finally managed to stifle the Celtics’ shooting. The team committed only nine turnovers throughout the game, showcasing their disciplined play and securing a crucial win.
Celtics’ Offensive Struggles
The Celtics, who had been dominant in the first three games, encountered a severe offensive slump. They shot just 36.2% from the field, with star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scoring only 15 and 10 points, respectively—both their lowest in the series. The Celtics’ dream of clinching the championship on the road was dashed, as they failed to find their rhythm.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the Celtics still lead the series 3-1. They will have another opportunity to close out the series on June 18, when they return to their home court. The Mavericks, meanwhile, will aim to build on this victory and extend the series further.
Mavericks’ Defensive Breakthrough
One of the standout aspects of the Mavericks’ win was their ability to lower the Celtics’ shooting efficiency. By tightening their defense, they forced the Celtics into tough shots and capitalized on turnovers, a strategy that paid off handsomely as they celebrated their first win of the series. (188jili)