The Boston Celtics couldn’t full a sweep of the 2024 NBA Finals, falling to the Dallas Mavericks, 122-84, at American Airways Middle on Friday night time.
Boston nonetheless holds a 3-1 lead, and can now look to shut issues out at TD Backyard.
Take a look at the full field rating right here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Celtics had a possibility to make historical past Friday, needing only one extra win to lastly seize Banner 18.
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It may have been a particular night time for the C’s, however as an alternative seemed like they had been underneath the impression this was a mid-April contest involving the Charlotte Hornets — and on this situation, they’re the Hornets.
Boston couldn’t have performed worse, falling behind 61-35 in what might need been certainly one of its worst halves of the season. Jrue Vacation was uncharacteristically sloppy. Derrick White couldn’t hit the broad aspect of a barn with a bazooka. Jaylen Brown compelled up a ton of unhealthy pictures. Jayson Tatum performed fairly effectively, however did not arrange his teammates like he had earlier within the collection. It appeared as if every little thing that would have gone unhealthy, did.
Dallas is accountable for that.
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Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd talked about placing collectively an entire efficiency pregame, stressing the significance of tempo and discovering a approach to influence issues on the protection. Luka Doncic bought the message, including some stellar defensive highlights to his customary box-score inflating. Maxi Kleber, Dante Exum and Dereck Energetic had been the difference-makers, although, as their hustle and depth was that of a determined group of gamers who didn’t wish to go house.
You doubtless wouldn’t have been shocked to listen to the C’s made a run within the second half, however they didn’t. Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, Luke Kornet, Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser had been all on the courtroom along with three minutes left within the third quarter. That’s what occurs if you undergo the second-worst loss in NBA Finals historical past.
The Mavs now have a sliver of hope heading again to Beantown.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Doncic heard the noise and responded accordingly. He completed with 29 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and three steals.
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— Energetic was insanely efficient off the bench, grabbing 12 rebounds in simply 22 minutes. He additionally chipped in with 11 factors.
— Kyrie Irving had 21 factors on 10-for-18 taking pictures, including six assists and 4 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Celtics’ subsequent alternative to place the Mavericks away will are available in Recreation 5. The Larry O’Brien Trophy will probably be in attendance at TD Backyard, with tip-off on Monday night time scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
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