The Dallas Mavericks, facing heavy criticism and the brink of elimination, rebounded in spectacular fashion in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Luka Dončić led the charge, reminding everyone of his brilliance as the Mavericks routed the Boston Celtics 122-84 at the American Airlines Center.
The game wasn't about the Celtics' potential coronation or their historic season. Instead, it centered on Dončić, who had been under fire for his performance and demeanor. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd set the tone 90 minutes before the game, passionately defending his star player against what he perceived as excessive criticism.
"That's my job. My job is to protect him and tell the truth," Kidd told Yahoo Sports after the game. "I didn't lie or do anything out of the ordinary. We just went a little too far."
Kidd's defense was not just a strategic move but a necessity in today's NBA, where the coach-player relationship is constantly under scrutiny. Dončić, who has faced questions about his weight, basketball character, and commitment, needed to deliver a performance that would silence his detractors. And he did just that.
Dončić's performance was a masterclass in focus and control. He scored 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out five assists, all while ensuring the Mavericks dominated from start to finish. His co-star, Kyrie Irving, added 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds, providing the perfect support.
"If there was any nervousness, any belief the Mavericks would lay down - if Dončić would just concede to a championship celebration happening in his hallways - it was dispelled early," Kidd said.
Dončić's approach was a balance of increased physical force and emotional restraint. He concentrated more on the game and less on the officials, shedding his usual frustration that often disrupts the team's rhythm. This focus allowed the Mavericks to operate efficiently, with Dončić moving off the ball more and letting Dante Exum handle the point guard duties at times.
Strategically, this shift allowed Dončić to exploit mismatches and punish smaller guards, leading to a dominant first half where he scored 25 points. By the third quarter, the game was already decided, allowing Dončić to rest for the remainder.
"It's going to take everything," Dončić said. "It's going to take energy - especially energy - because it's late in the season. We played a lot of games. We got to stay together and locked in."
Despite the victory, the road ahead remains daunting. The Mavericks still trail 3-1 in the series, and no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Finals. However, Dončić's performance has given Dallas hope and reminded everyone why he is one of the league's brightest stars.
"I mean, it doesn't change anything. Like I said at the beginning of the series, it's first to four," Dončić said. "We going to believe until the end. So we just got to keep going. I have big belief in this team that we can do it, so we just got to keep believing."
Kyrie Irving echoed this sentiment, praising Dončić's resilience and the team's unity. "I think it shows you how important it is to have quality leaders in the locker room and somebody that has been through it, somebody that can talk through it," Irving said. "And also somebody that's more than willing to sacrifice themselves to take the bullets and the brunt of the responsibility."
The Mavericks' organization has made it clear that every move they make is with Dončić's growth in mind. From the trade for Irving to the drafting of Dereck Lively II, the focus is on building a team around their superstar.
"He's not easy to build around, possibly may not be easy to coach, considering the temper tantrums to the officials and shortcomings that would frustrate even the most neutral basketball fan," said Kidd. "But he's still oh-so-special and worth the maintenance."
Even with the series potentially ending in favor of the Celtics, this game was crucial for Dončić's legacy. It showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and reminded critics that great players often face and overcome great adversity. The Celtics remain a formidable opponent, but the Mavericks' performance in Game 4 suggests they won't go down without a fight.
