Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Mavericks secured a crucial victory on Friday night in the NBA Finals, keeping their championship hopes alive as they defeated the Boston Celtics in a dominating fashion. This win marked the Mavericks’ first victory in this year’s finals, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for the team.

Heading into the game with a 0-3 deficit in the series, the Mavericks faced a daunting challenge as no NBA team had ever come back from such a disadvantage in the postseason. However, led by Luka Dončić, who showcased an exceptional offensive performance with 29 points, including 25 in the first half, the Mavericks delivered a resounding 122-84 win over the Celtics. Dončić notably addressed previous criticisms of his defensive play by tightening up his game in this crucial matchup.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of playing their best game to avoid elimination. The Mavericks’ victory was so dominant that by the fourth quarter, both teams had benched most of their starters, with the Mavs holding a commanding 48-point lead at one point. The 38-point margin marked one of the largest differentials in an NBA finals game, underscoring the Mavericks’ dominance in the matchup.

Despite the loss, the Celtics had enjoyed a franchise-record 10-game winning streak in the postseason, which was brought to an end by the Mavericks’ stellar performance. Looking ahead to Game 5 in Boston, the Celtics will aim to bounce back and secure their 18th NBA championship, facing an uphill battle after Friday’s defeat.

Dončić, who has been battling injuries throughout the playoffs, expressed optimism about the team’s chances in Boston, highlighting the need to maintain focus and replicate their successful strategies from the previous game. The series now moves to Boston for what promises to be a thrilling Game 5, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand and inch closer to the championship title.