The Dallas Mavericks' Backs Are Against the Wall in Game 4

Can they avoid the sweep and force a Game 5?

The Dallas Mavericks are facing elimination in the NBA Finals after losing the first three games of the series to the Boston Celtics. No team has ever come back to win an NBA playoff series after losing the first three games, so the Mavericks will need to pull off a miracle if they want to keep their season alive.

The Celtics have been the better team throughout the series, but the Mavericks have shown signs of life in each game. They led by 10 points in the first half of Game 3, and they were within striking distance in the fourth quarter of Game 2. If the Mavericks can play a complete game and avoid making mistakes, they have a chance to steal a game in Boston and force a Game 5.

The Mavericks will need to get big games from their stars, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic is averaging 32.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in the series, but he has been inefficient at times. Irving is averaging 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, but he has also been turnover-prone. The Mavericks will need both players to play at their best if they want to win Game 4.

The Celtics, meanwhile, will be looking to close out the series and win their 18th NBA championship. They have been led by Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the series. Tatum has been efficient and consistent, and he has been the Celtics' best player in the playoffs.

The Celtics also have a deep bench, which has been a major factor in their success this season. They have several players who can come off the bench and make an impact, including Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Derrick White. The Celtics will need their bench to continue to play well if they want to win Game 4 and close out the series.