3 Keys to the Mavs Avoiding Elimination In Game 5

Photo Taken By ESPN

The Dallas Mavericks were desperate in game 4 and played by far and away their best basketball in this series as they dominated the Boston Celtics 122-84. The Mavs win helps them avoid a sweep and forces a game 5, which is set to tip off tonight at 8:30 pm ET at TD Garden.

I noticed three positive aspects in game 4 from the Mavs that I think they'll have to replicate to push for game 6.


1. Put Up close to 40 3-point attempts


This is a key factor I mentioned in my blog “Three Key Adjustments the Mavs Need to Turn Their Series Around”. In games 1-3, the Mavericks shot an atrocious 22-78 (28.2%) from beyond the arc. In Game 4, they shot 15-37 (40%).

The engine that makes the Mavs offense explode is their 3-point shooting. During the regular season, the Mavericks shot the 2nd most 3-point attempts in the league, which converted to finishing with the 3rd most 3-pointers made in the league this season.

The key number for the Mavs is 39.5 attempts. That is the average number of attempts made during the regular season and damn near the same number of attempts made in game 4 (37).


2. Luka needs a repeat defensive performance of game 3


Luka Dončić has been heavily criticized by the media and fans during the NBA Finals for his defensive efforts or lack thereof. To be honest, I am not an exception. In my previous blog, I mentioned that the Celtics blow-by percentage against Luka Dončić this series is at an astonishing 67.7%.

This situation did not occur in game 4. Luka displayed exceptional activity and attentiveness on the defensive end, ensuring his opponent remained in front of him and supporting teammates with off-ball defense when his primary defender lacked scoring opportunities.

Examples of this can be seen here: Luka Game 4 Defensive Highlights (Via @StephNoh X) 

3. Supporting cast needs a repeat performance of game 3


There is no denying the lethal combination that is Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Although the sample size has only been 2 seasons, many spectators and critics are already crowning them the best backcourt duo in the history of the league.


However, basketball is a team game, and the performance of just 2 players alone has never won a team a championship. In Game 1, Luka and Kyrie combined for 50% of the Mavs total offense. In Game 2, the duo again combined for 50% of the team's scoring output. In game 3, they accounted for 62% of the total offense. They lost in each of these games.


In game 4, where they won by 36 points, Luka and Kyrie only made up 40% of the team’s total points. The more the role players can contribute, the more successful the Mavs are.



Conclusion


The Dallas Mavericks game 4 victory over the Boston Celtics serves as a blueprint to what they need to accomplish in game 5 to extend this series. The Mavericks need to maintain their strong 3-point shooting, replicate Luka Dončić's defensive prowess, and ensure the support cast lightens the load for Kyrie and Luka. With these elements in place, they can extend the series further.