Nowitzki honors "life-preserving" event for the Mavs
Dallas Mavericks dodged the heftiest fine in NBA Finals versus Boston Celtics, aiming for an unprecedented comeback. Franchise pillar Dirk Nowitzki applauded his successors' grit in the fourth quarter of the fourth NBA Finals match against the Celtics.
escaped the maximum penalty, aspiring for a remarkable recovery: As Dirk Nowitzki lounged back early in the fourth quarter, he watched the Dallas Mavericks' "miraculous" performance during the fourth NBA Finals game against the Boston Celtics. According to the legendary German basketball player speaking at ESPN: "The last thing you want is the opposition celebrating their championship on your home court."
Following an impressive 122:84 home victory and a 48-point gap at half-time, Dallas took first possession from the Celtics, who held a 3:1 lead in the best-of-seven series and could clinch their 18th title on Tuesday night. Although no team has ever overturned a 0:3 deficit in the playoffs, the third-highest Finals victory in NBA history indicated some progress.
"The Celtics better throw in the towel"
"We're just focusing on one game at a time, trying to gain momentum from each game and win the next one in Boston and extend the series," stated Nowitzki following the Mavs' first win in an NBA Finals game since June 12, 2011. Facing an unfamiliar setting – Nowitzki knew what he was talking about.
Now the hope for the second title is alive. "We stick together until the end. We can do it," declared Mavs top player Luka Doncic. "The Celtics better give up. But that's incredibly challenging when the opponent has nothing left to lose. We witnessed that today." Coach Jason Kidd, a 2011 champion with the Mavs, concurred with the Mavs players.
It was evident by halftime
Dallas led 61:35 at halftime and continued to play at a faster pace, securing the win early on. The top scorers for the Mavs were Luka Doncic (29 points) and Kyrie Irving (21), while German forward Maxi Kleber snatched five rebounds. For the sluggish Celtics, Jayson Tatum scored 15 points.
More than in any other NBA Finals game were only the Chicago Bulls in 1998 against the Utah Jazz (96:54) and the Celtics themselves in their last championship in 2008 against the Los Angeles Lakers (131:92) victorious. Both Celtics and Lakers hold the NBA record with 17 titles each. Whether they continue to hold it, the Mavericks are on a mission to change that.
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As Dirk Nowitzki celebrated from the sidelines, he acknowledged, "The Dallas Mavericks are showing resilience in these NBA playoffs, just like they did in the pivotal Finals game against the Boston Celtics." Despite the Celtics' 3-0 lead, Nowitzki remained hopeful, stating, "The Mavs' determination in the basketball playoffs is inspiring, and they have the potential to upset the odds and bring home the NBA title."
