The Dallas Mavericks fought back to save their NBA season in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. The Golden State Warriors were blown out through the first three quarters, trailing by 29 points heading into the fourth quarter. Despite a 19-point comeback, the Mavericks beat GSW by 10 points (119-109).
The Mavericks were pegged to be swept after their Game 3 loss, but the Mavericks came set to make sure they do not get swept at home. As a result, the role-players around Luka Doncic made their open threes, and the team looked sensational. But their defensive and depth issues were exposed in the fourth quarter again.
Doncic ended one assist shy of a triple-double and emphasized that this Mavericks team will not stop fighting until the series is over in his post-game interview:
"You never know, man."@luka7doncic talked to @ALaForce about possibly being the first team to come back from a 0-3 series deficit after the @dallasmavs' Game 4 win. pic.twitter.com/ylfjdTh8HR
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 25, 2022
“You never know. Were going to believe, this is just number one. It’s going to be really tough in Golden State and we’re going to stick together.”
Whether the Mavericks can continue this shooting form into the next game is something that everyone will be looking out for. Their shooting is what causes them to win or lose their games, as this is one of the most three-point heavy offenses we have seen in recent history.
The Warriors have blown a 3-1 lead before, but nobody has blown a 3-0 lead in NBA playoff history. It’d be foolish to pick this series to be the first time we see that happen, as the Warriors are one of the most experienced championship teams. The 2016 Finals is something most of this roster remembers, so they are equipped to cut the Mavs down in the next three games.
If the Mavs maintain this momentum and are able to improve defensively, they stand a genuine shot. We should know better than to count Luka out, especially when he is this motivated.
