Thanks to the victory, the “Mavs” extended the series, which will continue in Boston.
Kristaps Porzingis was included among the registered players in this game, but the Latvian did not go on the court.
Before the game, “Celtics” head coach Joe Mazulla said that the Latvian is not really ready to play, but if necessary, Porzingis will help the team in certain episodes of the game.
Kristaps Porzingis is ”available” for G4 tonight, but Joe Mazzulla says ”he’s not quite there yet, but only available in certain situations, very specific instances” – @wbz pic.twitter.com/4xPlmCVBWT
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) June 14, 2024
In principle, everything was fine already in the first half stacked on shelves. “Mavericks” won the first quarter with 34:21, and increased the lead by 13 points (61:35) in the second quarter.
It was the fourth-largest first half lead in NBA history all-time.
During the first 24 minutes, Boston shot with catastrophic accuracy (11/37 or 29.7%). In contrast, “Mavericks” made 23 of 44 shots (52.3%).
Doncic played 22 minutes in the first half, during which he scored 25 points (1p. 5/7, 2p. 10/14, 3p. 0/4). Irving added 11 points, but Jayson Tatum was the best for Celtics with 15 points.
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
“Mavericks” did not stop and continued humiliate guests. During the third quarter, in which Irving scored 10 points, the Mavs were even leading by +38. Before the final 12 minutes celts was ahead with 60:92.
In the final quarter, the advantage of “Mavericks” was as many as 48 points. It was the largest NBA Finals lead by any team in 50 years.
Boston managed to reduce the deficit and not set the NBA anti-record, which is minus 42 points in the finals. However, the game ended with a crushing victory for “Mavs” – 122:84.
It was the third-most Finals wins of all time in NBA history. In 2008, the Celtics beat the Lakers 131-92, setting the second-highest margin of victory, and in 1998, the Bulls beat the Jazz 96-54 (+42).
Doncic finished the game with 29 points (1p. 5/7, 2p. 12/18, 3p. 0/8), five turnovers, as many assists and three steals.
Irving had 21 points and six assists at the end of the game, and Derek Lively, who came off the bench in this game, had 11+12 in 22 minutes.
No Celtics player scored at least 16 points. Tatum was the top scorer with 15 points, while reserve Sam Hauser scored 14 points.
Jaylen Brown went 3-of-12 from the field for 10 points in the game.
“We can learn from this game, but I want to note that the Mavericks played great. All credit to them, a well-balanced team,” Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla said at the postgame press conference.
The Boston captain also emphasized that the opponents played with great energy and were physically prepared for this match. “That’s why they’re here, because that’s how they play,” Mazulla noted.
“Their central players did a good job protecting the penalty area,” Mazulla added, highlighting the opposition’s good defensive play.
Mazulla repeatedly praised the opponents, adding once again that their good play has taken them to the finals.
“I think they just outplayed us,” concluded Mazulla.
