The Dallas Mavericks dug themselves partially out of a 3-0 hole on Friday night, “staying alive” with a 122-84 win over the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center.
Guard Kyrie Irving dropped 21 points, six assists and four rebounds in a stat sheet stuffing night that saw him eclipsed in the points department by Luka Doncic alone among Mavs players, with 29 points.
After the game, the Mavericks' guard spoke in defiance of the odds as he chatted about the team's prospects for a series win.
Doncic broke Dirk Nowitzki's NBA Finals record with his insane Game 4 start. Mavs Coach Jason Kidd went off on Doncic detractors.
Irving had no qualms about sending positive thoughts after the win in spite of the Herculean task ahead of the Mavericks.
Irving postgame interview upbeat, optimistic
Irving had a lot to say. He was previously part of a Cavaliers team that came back from down 3-1 in the Finals vs. the Golden State Warriors. That team did its thing eight years ago now the Mavericks are looking to make an even bigger splash in the Finals with a potential comeback from down three games to zero.
“I mean we have no choice now but to look forward to that, to making history,” Irving said, praising his team for its energy throughout the course of the competition.
He called his team poised and said there was a little ‘ish talking' on the court.
Mavericks vs. Celtics Game 5 set
Game 5 of the series is set for Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Beantown. The intensity is likely to ratchet up, which could benefit the Mavericks if they avoid digging themselves a big hole like they did earlier in the series.
The Mavericks' Kyrie Irving has always thrived in an underdog role, and now he has no choice but to head out onto the parquet floor with guns blazing. Luka Doncic will do his best to bail him out of tough situations by spotting up on the wings, and the Mavericks' young players are stepping up the intensity and staying connected.
Tim Hardaway Jr. bounced back from a disappointing Game 3 to drop 15 points on the Celtics. The former Michigan Wolverine has plenty of big game experience, giving him the potential to be an x-factor as the series shifts back to Boston. Tim Hardaway Jr. has weaknesses in his game, but the Mavericks were never about one guy attempting to do more than he's capable of — even though guys like Irving and Doncic can clearly do a whole lot more than most people realize.
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