#### THE LINEUP 🏀

**What’s inside today’s edition?**

- **Start To Finish**: Dallas opened the game hot and never cooled off in a 38-point win
- **Luka Leads The Way**: After fouling out of Game 3, Doncic drove Dallas in Game 4
- **Dallas Defense**: How the Mavs held the Celtics to a season-low 84 points
- **All-Access**: Go behind-the-scenes from Game 4 with our on-the-ground correspondents
- **Game 4 Frames**: Some of our favorite photos from Friday in Dallas

It’s a travel day as the NBA Finals shift back to Boston for Game 5 on Monday night. Stay tuned on the NBA App for the latest news and exclusive access all weekend.

**Trivia Time**: Test your knowledge with today’s NBA Play: Expert Mode challenge, and list the five all-time leaders in Finals 3-pointers made.


### 1. MAVS DOMINATE FROM START TO FINISH

In Game 3, Dallas started strong but cooled off, allowing the Celtics to regain momentum. Game 4 was a different story, with the Mavs maintaining their hot streak throughout the game.

Dallas built a 13-point lead in the first quarter, which grew to a 38-point margin of victory in a 122-84 win over Boston, marking the third-highest margin in Finals history. They became the third team in 70 years to force a Game 5 when trailing 3-0 in the Finals, joining the 1996 Sonics and 2017 Cavs. The win also ended Boston’s 10-game playoff streak and handed the Celtics their first road loss this postseason.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the charge, combining for 22 points in the first quarter and 36 in the first half. The rest of the team contributed significantly, with Dereck Lively II posting his second straight double-double, joining Magic Johnson as the only players to record multiple double-doubles in the Finals before turning 21.

Coach Jason Kidd motivated the team pregame, emphasizing belief and unity. The Mavs maintained their intensity throughout the game, leading to a historic victory.

### 2. LUKA LEADS THE WAY



Luka Doncic bounced back from fouling out in Game 3, scoring 13 points in the first quarter and finishing with 29 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. He became the third-youngest player to score 25+ points in the first half of a Finals game and joined an elite group of players with at least 600 points, 150 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single playoff run.

Coach Kidd praised Doncic's performance, noting his ability to set the pace for the team. Doncic exited the game with 1:29 left in the third quarter, having helped build a 48-point lead, securing the Mavs' mission to keep their season alive.


### 3. DALLAS DEFENSE STANDS UP

The Mavericks held the Celtics to a season-low 84 points, showcasing one of the best defensive efforts of the season. Dallas entered the break with a 61-35 lead, the fewest points Boston has scored in a half under Coach Joe Mazzulla.

Dereck Lively II and Luka Doncic led the defensive charge, holding Boston to 36.2% shooting from the field and 38.5% from inside the arc. The Mavs limited the Celtics to 58.8% shooting in the restricted area and 18.8% in the rest of the paint, significantly below their playoff averages.

Dallas also held Boston to 18 assists, down from their average of 26, and restricted them to 26 points in the paint. The Mavs' defensive efforts translated into a dominant performance, holding the Celtics to an offensive rating of 87.5.

### 4. ALL-ACCESS PASS TO GAME 4

Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski and content creator Jenna Bandy served as NBA correspondents for Game 4, capturing the electric atmosphere in Dallas. They experienced everything from shootaround with 2024 NBA Draft prospect Alex Sarr to Luka Doncic's post-game reactions.

Highlights included Sergio Ramos visiting Luka, Dirk Nowitzki, and other stars in attendance, and a spectacular halftime show featuring Scooby-Doo.

### 5. OUR FAVORITE FRAMES FROM GAME 4

Explore our favorite photos from Game 4, capturing the energy and excitement of a memorable night in Dallas. From pregame rituals to on-court action and post-game celebrations, these images bring the story of the Mavericks' historic win to life.

Stay tuned for more coverage as the Finals head back to Boston for Game 5.