Why Game 4 Was the Turning Point in the NBA Finals

The Celtics’ Game 4 victory marked the first time since 2016 that a team has overcome a 0-3 deficit in the NBA Finals. According to league records, only two teams in NBA history have ever won a series after trailing 3-1: the 2016 Cavaliers and the 2004 Pistons. Boston’s ability to execute in critical moments—particularly in the fourth quarter—set the stage for what Bosh described as a “defensive masterclass.”

“The Celtics didn’t just win; they exposed Dallas’ defensive scheme,” Bosh said in a post-game analysis. “Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown didn’t just score—they forced Dallas into isolation situations where Luka had no answers.” The Mavericks’ offensive efficiency dropped from 118.3 points per 100 possessions in Games 1-3 to 103.9 in Game 4, per NBA Advanced Stats.

The pivotal moment came at the 7:30 mark of the fourth quarter when Tatum hit a three-pointer to extend Boston’s lead to 10 points. Dallas attempted a comeback but struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 35.3% from the field in the final 10 minutes.

Tactical Breakdown: How Boston Exploited Dallas’ Weaknesses

Bosh identified three key tactical adjustments that gave the Celtics the edge:

• Switching to a Zone Defense: The Celtics deployed a hybrid zone defense in the final 12 minutes, forcing Dončić to beat multiple defenders on every possession. “Luka is a genius, but he can’t create against a zone when the rim is collapsed,” Bosh noted.
• Double-Teaming Kyrie Irving: Irving, who had been Dallas’ secondary scorer, was targeted relentlessly in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks’ bench contributed just 12 points in Game 4, compared to an average of 28 points per game in the first three contests.
• Controlling the Pace: Boston held Dallas to its lowest possession total of the series (98 possessions) while maintaining a 55.2% effective field goal percentage. “The Celtics didn’t just outscore Dallas—they out-executed them,” Bosh said.

Key Stat: The Celtics’ defensive rating improved from 112.6 in Games 1-3 to 105.8 in Game 4—the best defensive performance of the series.

Game 5 Preview: Can Boston Maintain the Momentum?

With Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) at Crypto.com Arena, the Celtics face a critical challenge: sustaining their defensive intensity while managing fatigue. The Mavericks, who have now lost three straight games, will need to adjust their offensive approach to avoid falling into Boston’s traps.

Bosh highlighted three areas Dallas must address:

• Protecting the Rim: The Mavericks allowed 18 offensive rebounds in Game 4, up from an average of 12 in the first three games. “If Dallas can cut down on second-chance opportunities, they can neutralize Boston’s size advantage,” Bosh said.
• Spreading the Floor: Dončić attempted just 18 shots in Game 4, his lowest total of the series. “Luka needs to involve the entire team—especially the guards—before the defense collapses,” Bosh warned.
• Energy Management: The Mavericks’ bench has contributed just 12 points in their last two games. “If Dallas can get 20 or more from their bench, they can force a Game 6,” Bosh predicted.

For the Celtics, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive identity while ensuring Tatum and Brown get enough touches to keep Dallas guessing. “Boston’s offense is simple: get Tatum and Brown the ball in the paint,” Bosh said. “If they can do that, Dallas will struggle to keep up.”

Historical Context: How Often Do Teams Bounce Back from 0-3?

The Celtics’ series lead has revived a debate about the rarity of overcoming a 0-3 deficit. According to NBA historical data, only two teams have ever done so:

Both victories came in Finals matchups where the trailing team made significant adjustments. The Cavaliers, for example, limited Stephen Curry’s scoring in the fourth quarter of Game 4, while the Pistons focused on containing Reggie Miller in Game 5.

“The Celtics have a real shot here, but they can’t repeat mistakes from Games 1-3,” Bosh cautioned. “One bad quarter could cost them the series.”

Player Spotlight: Luka Dončić’s Dilemma

Luka Dončić finished Game 4 with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists—his lowest scoring output of the series. However, his efficiency was a concern, shooting just 8-of-18 from the field. Bosh described Dončić’s role as the fulcrum of Dallas’ offense:

“Luka is the best player on the floor, but he can’t carry this team alone. The Mavericks need him to be the engine, but they also need the guards to create space. If Kyrie and Seth [Curry] can’t get him easy buckets, Dallas is in trouble.”

Dončić’s usage rate in Game 4 (38.5%) was his highest of the series, but his true shooting percentage (50.0%) was below his season average (54.2%). “The Celtics are forcing Luka into tough decisions,” Bosh said. “If he can’t find a rhythm, Dallas loses.”

What Happens Next: Game 5 Schedule and Broadcast Info

Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals will tip off at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) on Tuesday, June 11, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The matchup will be broadcast live on:

• NBA TV (U.S.)
• ESPN (U.S.)
• TSN (Canada)
• Sky Sports (UK)
• FOX Sports (Australia)

Fans can follow real-time updates via the NBA’s official website or the league’s social media channels. The Celtics will look to build on their momentum, while the Mavericks will seek to avoid becoming the first team in NBA history to lose a Finals series after leading 3-1.

Key Takeaways from Game 4

• The Celtics’ defensive switch to a hybrid zone forced Dallas into isolation situations, limiting Luka Dončić’s effectiveness.
• Boston’s bench contributed 30 points in Game 4, compared to Dallas’ 12—a critical factor in the victory.
• The Mavericks’ offensive efficiency dropped to its lowest point of the series, shooting 35.3% in the fourth quarter.
• Kyrie Irving’s scoring was suppressed by double-teams, with the Mavericks’ bench contributing just 12 points in the final game.
• Game 5 will test Boston’s ability to maintain defensive intensity while managing fatigue.