122 points Dallas, 84 points Boston – the scoreboard reflected game four of the NBA Finals just as clearly as the action on the floor over the full 48 minutes. Accordingly, Mavs coach Jason Kidd had plenty of praise for his players.
The game had long been decided after three quarters. Both teams on the floor knew that, having rested their stars in the final period and sent their reserves onto the floor instead. And ESPN, the broadcaster in the USA, knew this. So the director decided to switch to split screen for almost three minutes during the game and instead conduct an interview with Dirk Nowitzki, who had previously watched the game from the front row.
“You must be really bored,” joked the German basketball legend at first, but then he was just as happy as all the other Mavs fans about the Mavericks’ blowout in game four of the NBA Finals. Dallas was almost 40 points in front at that point, ultimately winning 122:84 against the Boston Celtics – the third-highest win in Finals history.
Nowitzki – champion with the Mavs in 2011 – had actually hoped for a similar result in game three. However, after the two defeats to open the series in Boston, Dallas also lost this game and was 3-0 down in the best-of-seven series. However, the desired reaction came on Saturday night. “They showed heart,” praised Nowitzki. “Hopefully we can keep the momentum. “
Mavs: Greedy on defense, dominant in the zone
The dominant performance was based on several success factors. Dallas produced the best defensive performance of the Finals series so far and Luka Doncic, who had been criticized recently, also played really well in defense. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he held his opponents to 2/9 from the field in one-on-one situations and forced four turnovers. “We were right there, especially defensively,” said the Slovenian.
In addition, the Mavs played with pressure and a lot of pace in the transition game – and dominated in the zone in offense. Dallas scored 60 points there and the visitors from the east coast just 26, with the outstanding Doncic (29 points – including 22 in the zone -, 5 rebounds, 5 assists in 33 minutes) and Kyrie Irving (21, 6 assists in 31 minutes) in particular exerting a lot of pressure on the opposing side’s basket, getting past their opponents and so scoring numerous points.
“It was either this or vacation,” said Head Coach Jason Kidd, summing up the Mavs’ attitude ahead of game four. The Celtics would have needed one more win to win the championship, which is still the case. “It’s simple: we were ready, they were ready to celebrate – and we resisted. We played with the courage of desperation. “
Celtics announce response in game five
The Mavericks will have to show this attitude again in Boston, where the fifth game of the series is scheduled for Tuesday night and the Celtics will get their next chance to win their 18th title in history. A blowout will almost certainly not be expected then.
“They were the better team today,” admitted a miffed Al Horford. “They played us to the wall. That’s hard to accept, but that’s the reality.” His teammate Jaylen Brown agreed: “They played very physically – and they dominated the boards,” said the Celtics guard, referring to the 52:31 rebounds and 13:4 offensive rebounds in favor of the Texans.
Dallas put a lot of pressure on the visitors, Brown explained, “and we didn’t hit our shots. However, that can change very quickly in the next game. “Whether you lose by 30 points or by two, the defeats all count the same,” says Jayson Tatum. “We’re not looking for excuses. We have to be better. And we will be better. “
