DALLAS — There will be no sweep in this year’s NBA Finals after the Dallas Mavericks avoided elimination in dominating fashion. The Mavs crushed the Boston Celtics by 36 points in Game 4 for their first win of the series. It was a valiant effort from an inspired Mavericks group, but the hill to climb is still steep as the series returns to Boston for Game 5 on Monday night.
Here are three things to look for: 1. PLAY FREE BIRD It’s amazing what can happen when a team plays free and without a care in the world. It’s true in all sports, especially golf.
The Mavericks did that from the start of Game 4 and did not relent. Perhaps no better example than rookie center Dereck Lively II launching a three-pointer in the first quarter. He attempted just two shots from beyond the arc all season.
He missed both. But with their season on the line and zero, uh, cares to give — Lively let it rip. Splash.
The Dallas crowd went nuts. After the game, Kyrie Irving acknowledged how that moment helped relax the team. The Mavericks have to do a lot of things right to win Game 5, but it all starts with their attitude.
2. Push it to the limit The Maverick's pace of play was noticeably faster (and better) in Game 4. Every time they got a steal or loose ball or defensive rebound, there was an outlet pass and sprint up the floor.
Pushing the pace — even if it’s just to get the ball across the timeline — doesn’t allow the Celtics to set up their hounding halfcourt. In previous games, Lu.
