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Dallas, TX – The Boston Celtics experienced their first road loss of the playoffs on Friday night, as the Dallas Mavericks claimed a resounding 122-84 victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. This loss prevents a sweep and sets up a potential championship-clinching game for Boston back on their home court on Monday.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Celtics star Jayson Tatum acknowledged that the team may have entered Game 4 with an overly eager mindset, potentially contributing to their uncharacteristic performance.
“I think after Game 4, [head coach Joe Mazzulla] just reminded us to have fun,” Tatum remarked. “We wanted to go for the kill, essentially, and we wanted to win so bad that maybe we got away from what makes us special and what makes us the Boston Celtics.”
Tatum is on the cusp of his first NBA championship, with Boston needing just one more win to capture their first title in 16 years. The Celtics have been close in recent seasons but have yet to secure the ultimate prize. This year, the roster assembled by Brad Stevens is seen as one capable of excelling on both ends of the floor.
However, Friday’s performance was a stark departure from the form that has brought them to the brink of a championship. The team struggled with off-ball movement, rebounding, and effective drive-and-kick plays—elements that are typically central to their success.
The Celtics must regroup and refocus on their game plan to avoid letting their eagerness derail their championship aspirations. One more win is all it takes to finish the season on top and etch their names in the history books.
While Dallas will undoubtedly fight hard to extend the series, the Celtics have spent years preparing for this moment. Their journey has been anything but easy, and this last test will demand the best of what they have developed over time.
With Game 5 set for Monday in Boston, the Celtics have a chance to bounce back from their Game 4 lapse and secure the championship in front of their home fans, completing a remarkable season and finally breaking through the barrier that has held them back in recent years.