Celtics Remain In Control Of Series

Mavericks Escape with Game 4 Win

Celtics Remain in Control of Series

Here Are Five Takeaways from Dallas' Series-Saving Victory

The Dallas Mavericks kept their NBA playoff hopes alive with a convincing 122-84 victory in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. Despite trailing 3-0 in the series, the Mavericks dominated the game from start to finish, led by a 52-31 advantage on the boards.

Game 5 is set for Monday in Boston, with the Celtics still holding a 3-1 lead. However, the Mavericks' performance in Game 4 has given them a glimmer of hope in a series that seemed all but over.

Here are five takeaways from the Mavericks' series-saving victory:

1. The Mavericks dominated the glass. The Mavericks outrebounded the Celtics 52-31, including a 19-9 advantage on the offensive glass. This gave them numerous second-chance opportunities and helped them control the tempo of the game.
2. The Luka-Kyrie duo struggled. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks' two leading scorers, combined for just 32 points on 10-of-29 shooting. The Celtics' defense was able to force them into tough shots and limit their effectiveness.
3. The Celtics' bench proved too much. The Celtics' bench outscored the Mavericks' bench 40-14. Malcolm Brogdon led the way with 16 points, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard added 9 points apiece.
4. The Celtics' depth wore down the Mavericks. The Celtics were able to rotate 10 players in Game 4, while the Mavericks played just eight players. This allowed the Celtics to keep their legs fresh and apply constant pressure on the Mavericks.
5. The Mavericks trail 3-1, but they have given themselves a chance. No team has ever come back to win an NBA playoff series after losing the first three games, but the Mavericks' performance in Game 4 has given them a glimmer of hope. They will need to continue to play with the same intensity and execution in Game 5 if they want to force a Game 6.

Well see Monday in Boston 830 ET ABC