Boston Celtics Defeat Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals – 106:99
Tatum's triple-double (32 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) brings the Celtics closer to the championship – the series lead is now 3-1.
Boston Celtics One Step Away from Championship: Tatum's Triple-Double Secures Game 4 Win in NBA Finals
Jayson Tatum posted 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Celtics to a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The series now stands at 3-1, with Boston needing just one more win to secure a historic 18th title.
Dallas, Texas. The American Airlines Center witnessed a basketball thriller that brought the Boston Celtics closer to the championship. In Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Celtics avenged their blowout loss in Game 3 and now lead the series 3-1. Just one win separates Joe Mazzulla's team from becoming the most decorated franchise in league history – an 18th championship would set a new record, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers.
This game will go down in history not only as a pivotal matchup in the 2026 Finals but also as a showcase for Jayson Tatum. The 27-year-old forward delivered a triple-double at the most crucial moment, when his team risked losing its psychological edge heading into the decisive game on home court.
Key Event: Character and Skill vs. Desperation
Unlike the previous game, which Boston lost 84-122 – one of the biggest defeats in NBA Finals history – Game 4 started with more focus from the visitors. The Celtics learned their lesson: they couldn't let Dallas dictate the pace and run in transition. While the Mavericks dominated from the first minute in Game 3, leading by 26 at halftime, this time Boston held its ground.
The first half was a tactical battle. Luka Dončić, despite obvious knee and ankle issues that plagued him throughout the playoffs, once again carried Dallas on his shoulders. He scored from anywhere, delivered trademark cross-court passes, and kept the offense alive. Kyrie Irving, who felt the pressure from former home crowds in Boston during the first two games, looked more confident on his own floor. However, the Celtics didn't allow the hosts to pull away. The score was tight at halftime, and the game hung in the balance.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Boston often made decisive runs in third quarters throughout the season – and this was no exception. Jayson Tatum took over. He not only attacked himself, using his powerful first step and mid-range jumper, but also found open teammates under the basket. The Tatum-Holiday-Brown trio worked like a well-oiled machine. Boston went on a 15-4 run, forcing Jason Kidd to call a timeout. Dallas tried to respond with three-pointers, but their shooting percentage was low, and the Celtics dominated the offensive boards. By the end of the third quarter, Boston's lead had grown to 12 points – a critical margin in such a tense game.
The fourth quarter turned into a battle of wills. The Mavericks, led by Dončić (who finished with another double-double: 30 points and 14 assists), desperately tried to rally. They cut the deficit to 4 points with three minutes left. But that's when the Celtics' composure and class shone through. Jrue Holiday had a key stretch, his defense against Irving proving crucial. Jaylen Brown, whom Dallas coach Jason Kidd had tried to label as Boston's main star before the series to sow discord, once again proved his worth – he scored 21 points, had 3 steals, and was reliable on defense. The final 106-99 victory was a logical outcome for a game where the visitors showed more discipline and team play.
Details and Statistics: Triple-Double and Team Dominance
The key figure of the night was Jayson Tatum. His triple-double – 32 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists – is more than just impressive numbers. It's evidence of his growth as a leader. In the 2022 Finals against Golden State, Tatum sometimes lacked consistency in crucial moments. Now, he is the engine of the team, capable of both scoring and delivering a pass to an open teammate. Considering he scored only 15 points in Game 3 and looked lost under Dallas's pressure, this response is a sign of championship character.
Interestingly, the Celtics are winning this Finals not only through offensive firepower but also thanks to outstanding defense. This principle was established last season, when Vladimir Gomelsky in his analysis cited balance and defense as the main reasons for Boston's success. In Game 4, Boston recorded 8 blocks and 10 steals, forcing Dallas into 15 turnovers. Moreover, the Celtics completely neutralized the Mavericks' third and fourth scoring options: Washington and Jones, who shone in the series against Minnesota and Oklahoma, combined for no more than 7 points this time.
Key Game and Series Statistics
| Statistic | Boston Celtics (Game 4) | Dallas Mavericks (Game 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 106 | 99 |
| Leading Scorer | Jayson Tatum (32) | Luka Dončić (30) |
| Rebounds | 45 | 42 |
| Assists | 27 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| 3-Pointers (Made/Attempted) | 14/39 (35.9%) | 12/37 (32.4%) |
Key Players' Series Averages
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum (Boston) | 26.5 | 9.0 | 6.5 | +31 |
| Jaylen Brown (Boston) | 21.0 | 5.5 | 4.5 | +28 |
| Luka Dončić (Dallas) | 29.8 | 9.5 | 11.0 | -15 |
| Kyrie Irving (Dallas) | 19.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | -22 |
Context and Significance: Between 2024 and 2026
To understand the magnitude of the moment, it's worth looking at history. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks previously met in the NBA Finals in 2024. Back then, the Celtics won the series 4-1, claiming their 18th title and becoming the sole leaders in championships. That Finals is remembered not only for the victory but also for the blowout in Game 4 – Dallas won 122-84, one of the three largest wins in NBA Finals history. Two years later, history is repeating with eerie precision: Boston again won the first three games, then lost Game 4 (though not by such a lopsided margin as in 2024), and now leads 3-1.
However, the situation is different now. In 2024, Jaylen Brown was Finals MVP, and the main strength was bench depth. Now, Boston has evolved. The arrival and adaptation of Jrue Holiday, the progress of Derrick White, and most importantly, Tatum's elevated level make this team even more dangerous. While in 2024 Dallas relied on unexpected bursts from Dončić and Irving, the Mavericks are now more cohesive. But the Celtics have learned to handle their threats.
Psychologically, a 3-1 lead in the Finals is almost a death sentence. Only one team in NBA history – the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 – has come back from a 1-3 deficit in the Finals. Dallas will try to become the second, but Jason Kidd's team needs something extraordinary.
What's Next / Game 5 Preview
Game 5 of the series will take place on the night of June 16 Moscow time in Boston at the legendary TD Garden. This will be the first match point for the Celtics in this series. Statistics show that teams leading 3-1 in the Finals win the title 80% of the time. However, Dallas has already shown it can mount a comeback: their Game 4 win extended the series and restored intrigue.
For Boston, Game 5 is an opportunity to finish the season at home in front of their fans. Nothing suggests a repeat of the 2024 scenario, when the Celtics missed their chance to clinch the championship in front of their home crowd in Game 4, losing badly, but then took the trophy in Dallas in Game 5. This time, Mazzulla will likely emphasize maximum focus from the opening tip. A key factor will be the health of Kristaps Porziņģis, who has been dealing with a leg issue throughout the series, but his presence on the floor is critical for stretching Dallas's defense.
Dallas, for its part, will go all-in. They have nothing to lose. If Dončić can pull off the impossible and win in Boston, the series will return to Texas, and the pressure will shift to the Celtics. In any case, the 2026 NBA Finals are approaching their climax, and the answer to "Who will be champion?" will be revealed in the coming days.
Editorial Prediction
Boston's chances of closing out the series in Game 5 look favorable. The Celtics are a team built on system and depth. They have eight rotation players capable of playing quality defense and hitting their shots on offense. Unlike Dallas, where the load on Dončić and Irving is immense (especially given Luka's nagging injuries accumulated over the playoffs), Boston distributes minutes more evenly. Tatum and Brown already have Finals experience and know how to overcome the wall of decisive games.
Home court will be a key factor. TD Garden becomes a fortress in crucial games. The Boston crowd, hungry for an 18th title (and a 19th in fact – after the 2024 win, but we're talking about the current season), will put pressure on the officials and the visitors' nerves. Joe Mazzulla is expected to prepare a special strategy to contest Dončić's shots early and prevent him from finding a rhythm. If the Celtics can build a double-digit lead in the first half, the Mavericks might mentally crumble.
Editorial prediction: Boston wins Game 5 by a margin of 10-14 points. Tatum will again score over 30 points and become the frontrunner for Finals MVP. Dallas will show heart, but Jason Kidd's team will likely lack the bench depth and fresh legs for a comeback on the road.
— Editorial Team
