Mavericks Stave Off Elimination with Dominant Win Over Celtics
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks overwhelmed the Boston Celtics 122-84 on Friday, preventing a sweep in the NBA Finals and extending the series. Doncic scored 25 of his 29 points in the first half, while Kyrie Irving added 21 for the Mavericks. Despite breaking Boston’s 10-game playoff winning streak, Dallas faces an uphill battle, needing to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the series.Trailing 3-1, Dallas will head to Boston for game five on Monday, aiming to delay the Celtics’ pursuit of their 18th title. Doncic expressed confidence, stating, “We’re going to believe until the end. I have big belief in this team.”After facing criticism for fouling out in game three, Doncic delivered a strong defensive performance, helping limit Boston to 36.2% shooting. Jayson Tatum scored 15 points and Jaylen Brown 10 for the Celtics, as Dallas recorded the third-largest victory margin in NBA Finals history.Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the Mavericks’ energy and physicality, noting their deserving presence in the Finals when playing at that level. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 15 points off the bench, and rookie Dereck Lively scored 11, including his first career three-pointer, as Dallas surpassed 100 points for the first time in the series. The Mavericks ended Boston’s road playoff streak and halted their bid for a 4-0 Finals sweep, taking a 34-21 lead in the first quarter.
