Dallas Mavericks’ Big Win Over Boston Celtics Sparks Debate: Luka’s Resilience Impressive, Porzingis’ Return Could Impact Series

On June 15, the NBA Finals Game 4 took place, with the Dallas Mavericks defeating the Boston Celtics 122-84 at home, avoiding a sweep and setting the third-largest margin of victory in Finals history. The Mavericks now trail 1-3 in the series. Following the game, several media personalities shared their thoughts on the match. Here’s a summary of their comments:

Su Jingyu: Congratulations to the Mavericks! Although the series remains challenging, they played exceptionally well today. Luka Dončić was more willing to share the ball, and role players had higher tactical importance, with Washington, Gafford, and Jones having numerous 1-on-1 offensive possessions in the first quarter. This change made a difference. The Mavericks’ twin stars were no longer isolated, and with Leffley’s dominance on the boards, the team pulled together for a hard-fought victory. As for the Celtics, they celebrated too soon; nobody can evade responsibility for this defeat. All players seemed lost, lacking defensive intensity, teamwork, and focus. Pritchard’s performance was particularly disappointing. I see no reason for the Celtics to keep him; he has been ineffective for years, failing to contribute in the playoffs, defensively exposed and struggling even in garbage time. Even if the Celtics win the championship this year, they have work to do in the off-season, as their bench depth is weak.

Wang Zhaofeng: Didn’t expect such a long stretch of garbage time… Luka, focused on the game without complaints, is quite impressive. Besides Luka and Dončić, the role players finally started hitting threes, and the frontcourt regained some aggression. For the Celtics, the absence of Porzingis was keenly felt, with a loss in rebounding and rim protection. Let’s see if they consider bringing him back for Game 5.

Zhang Jinsong:

The Mavericks’ convincing win in Game 4 showcased their strong desire to survive. They played their most intense game of the series, making it difficult for the Celtics to penetrate, contesting passes, and fighting for rebounds. Offensively, beyond their two stars, more players stepped up. The Celtics had their worst game of the series. Finishing games is tough, but they didn’t display the right attitude. One memorable play was in the second quarter when two Mavs dove for a loose ball, and Kyrie Irving, after retrieving it, passed to a rising Dončić under the basket, leaving three Celtics defenders frozen until it was too late. Dallas fought, while Boston must regroup at home. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, having rediscovered their offensive rhythm, are eager to take the series back to Dallas. We’ll see.

Kong Desheng: In the 21st century, only three NBA Finals have ended in sweeps, and the Mavericks refused to be part of that statistic. Facing elimination, teams can either collapse or explode with greater energy. Dallas provided the answer with a 38-point blowout, the third-largest victory margin in Finals history and second-biggest in Mavericks’ playoff history. Was home-court officiating a factor? Even if so, was it the reason for the 26-point halftime lead? Some say the Celtics weren’t trying, planning to close out at home. But I believe the Mavericks worked harder; does any team dare to “let one go”? Athletes often deny such mentality, as series can shift rapidly due to injuries or other unforeseen incidents. When Dončić attacked the paint early, when Dallas aggressively pursued the rim and offensive rebounds, and when Luka improved his defense without complaining, the Mavericks did their part. They executed strategies developed over the first three games nearly flawlessly. Led by Leffley’s corner threes, Exum and Jones’ early triples, and Kleber’s buzzer-beater, it was Dallas’ night. Conversely, it was an off-night for Celtics’ shooting. Thus, Luka delivered a redemption game, remaining the scariest player with his back against the wall, while Kyrie snapped his losing streak against Boston. They head back to Boston.

Jian Yang:

“This was never an insurmountable 0-3! After the Mavericks’ massive win, looking back, we realize the strategic errors in Game 3 were devastating. It’s not too late, and it doesn’t have to end here!” Jia Lei: Kyrie finally defeated the Celtics, ending his losing streak. With Dallas’ supporting cast stepping up, the pressure on Dončić and Kyrie eased. Gafford’s rim protection, Exum’s threes, Green’s dunks, and Leffley’s rebounding were key. The 38-point differential doesn’t reflect the true gap between the teams, but Dallas raised their intensity and effort to a different level. Now, Porzingis’ return in Boston could be decisive for the series.