NBA Finals Film Study: Mavericks stand up defensively in Game 4

Mavericks' Defense Leads to NBA Finals Victory Over Celtics

The Dallas Mavericks might boast one of the most talented offensive backcourts in NBA history, but it’s their defense that has propelled them to the NBA Finals, presented by YouTube TV. Their defensive prowess was on full display in Game 4, a crucial victory that kept their championship hopes alive.

Regular Season Turnaround

The Mavericks were in eighth place at the trade deadline but surged to fifth by the season's end, thanks to a 21-7 run—the best in the Western Conference during that span. This remarkable turnaround was driven by significant defensive improvements. Before adding Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, Dallas ranked 22nd in defense. Post-trade, they climbed to sixth.

Defensive Dominance in Game 4

Throughout the first three games of the Finals, Dallas struggled defensively, with Boston scoring efficiently, though less so than in previous rounds. However, with their season on the line, the Mavericks played championship-caliber defense in Game 4. By the time Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters late in the third quarter, Boston had scored just 52 points on 65 possessions, a mere 0.80 points per possession.

Key Defensive Metrics

• Celtics' Paint Shooting: Boston shot 13-for-33 (39.3%) in the paint, their worst mark of the season. Before the Celtics benched their starters, that figure was an even lower 8-for-22 (36.3%).

• Mavs' Paint Defense Improvement: Opponent shooting in the paint before the trade deadline was 60.5%. After adding Gafford and Washington, it dropped to 52.7%, and further improved to 51.1% in the playoffs.

Luka Doncic's Defensive Effort

Luka Doncic, often targeted by the Celtics' offense, showed significant defensive improvement. He was the primary defender on 47 drives in the Finals, more than any other player. In Game 4, his defensive effort was crucial in limiting Boston’s scoring opportunities.

Transition Play

Game 4 also marked the first time Dallas outscored Boston in transition, with 26 points, up from an average of 16 in the first three games. The Mavericks' ability to convert defensive stops into transition points was a key factor in their dominant performance.

Key Plays

• Doncic’s Defensive Stand: Early in the game, Doncic stayed in front of Jayson Tatum’s drive, forcing a tough, contested shot that missed.

• Transition Execution: An example of their transition game was when Dereck Lively II helped on a Jrue Holiday drive and then recovered to contest a Xavier Tillman layup. This led to a lob dunk for Lively on the other end, showcasing Dallas' defensive sharpness and transition efficiency.

Looking Ahead

If the Mavericks can replicate their Game 4 defensive performance in Game 5, the series could become highly competitive. The next game will be pivotal in determining if Dallas can continue their defensive dominance and possibly take control of the Finals.

Conclusion

The Mavericks’ journey to the NBA Finals has been characterized by significant defensive improvements, particularly following key mid-season trades. Their ability to combine stellar offense with a newly fortified defense has made them a formidable opponent. Game 4’s performance exemplified their defensive capabilities, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the Finals.