Jaylen Brown scored 21 or more points and shot better than 53% in each of the first 3 games of the Finals.
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DALLAS— Ask any former NBA champion and they will confirm the high degree of difficulty in eliminating another team on their home court.
The Boston Celtics didn’t face many challenges during the 2024 playoffs where they only lost twice – a superb run made possible by superior depth, solid production on both ends and, yes, key injuries to other teams.
Defeat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 (8:30 a.m. ET, ABC) of the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to complete a sweep on Friday? This could be a considerable task, perhaps the most important.
Here’s what could go against the Celtics:
- A revengeful Luka Doncic
- Kyrie Irving gets back in touch
- The chance that the Mavs supporting cast will appear in this series
- The rarity of a final sweep.
Of course, the Celtics also have plenty of reasons to falter, especially with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and a team that may once again have to make up for the loss or limitations of an injured Kristaps Porzingis.
Here are four things to look for in a make-or-die situation against the home team and the visitors’ quest for Championship No. 18:
1. The Hunger Game for the Celtics
It’s human nature to take our foot off the gas when it seems like the inevitable is near. And if you doubt it, then you have a short memory. Didn’t the Celtics almost blow a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter on Wednesday?
If Boston can’t resist the urge to relax and unwind, then Game 4 could work against them and give the Mavs some life and send this series back to Boston.
Crushing hard for rebounds, tightening up defensively, working for easier shots, the Mavericks will be — or at least should be — determined to win these energy games. They have the staff for this; The problem is that Derek Lively II, Daniel Gafford and others have been neutralized so far.
“Just because we’re up 3-0 doesn’t mean it’s not over,” Lively said. “It’s just going to be about putting everything we can on the court, trying to go out and win little battles, because that’s what’s going to win us the game. Winning the rebounding game, winning the rebounding game transition and then just try to stop them from doing what they’re trying to do.
If the Celtics match the Mavs’ projected intensity, then it’s likely game over given Boston’s obvious talent advantage. But again, human nature…
“We’re just locked in,” guard Derrick White said. “We know what the issues are. We understand that closing matches are the hardest, and we just provide an extra edge.
2. Jaylen Brown secures another sack
Let’s get to the so-called downsides of Brown’s last 12 months. Don’t worry, it will be quick:
- He didn’t make any All-NBA teams
- He was not chosen for the 2024 Olympic team
That’s it. Otherwise, life is good. Great, actually.
Last summer, Brown signed the richest contract in NBA history. Last month, he was voted the Eastern Conference Finals Most Outstanding Player. And he’s one good performance away from being named Finals MVP, where he currently finds himself the favorite.
What a life-changing run for Brown, long overshadowed by Tatum, who now strives to be considered one of the best players in the league.
It seems built to end this series strong. Not only does he have obvious all-around skills and is causing major problems for the Celtics, but he is most likely catching the scent of two trophies: Larry O’Brien and Bill Russell.
Brown has been the most consistent, reliable and best player in this series so far. And he shows no signs of slipping.
3. Kyrie Irving’s leadership
He once helped a team overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a championship. He made one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history. And throughout this season, he presented himself as a changed player: mature, wise.
If your team is one loss away from losing the NBA Finals, it’s best to have Kyrie among them.
Who would have guessed it would be Kyrie, not Luka, as the quieter presence among the Mavs’ star backcourt? While one fought a suffering body and the referees, the other demonstrated responsibility and remorse, followed by a commitment to be better.
And Kyrie said Thursday he would offer advice if Luka asked him on how to handle the moment they’re facing.
“There are a lot of newbies on this scene,” he said. “I’ve said it over the last week, it’s a new space for me too, just being around these guys and being tested at this level.
“But my message to him is that he is not alone in this situation. He played the best he could despite the circumstances, just the injuries and all that. He gave everything. It’s not all his fault. Being scrutinized in this business is very different for me now because I’m able to put life as a whole into perspective and also the game into perspective. It’s easier.
4. Potential X-Factors
Derrick White has this under lock and key – his play on both ends, and especially his willingness to focus on the moment, has been a huge advantage for the Celtics. If he’s open in a close game, he’ll shoot; please refer to his big 3 pointer at the end of game 3.
“It’s playing with great players,” he explained as the reason. “They put me in a position to be in those moments and they trust me. I’m just trying to be confident through all of this and trust in the work that I’ve done.
Other candidates for Game 4?
Derrick Jones Jr. is expected. It’s been a quiet series so far for a player who lives on corner 3-pointers, lofted passes for dunks and defense. All of this was on display throughout the playoffs, then vaporized in the Finals. Jones bet on himself last summer when he signed a one-year minimum contract with Dallas. With a summer of free agency approaching, it’s time for him to try to win that bet.
Derek Lively II could bounce back. And dunk. And make it harder for the Celtics in the paint if Porzingis is injured. Lively had her best game of the series on Wednesday with a double-double of 11-13. His energy and ability to get Al Horford into trouble would be important.
Sam Hauser knows how to shoot. The Celtics know this, or at least rediscovered it after Hauser erased a frigid Game 2 (0-5 shooting) by scoring nine points in 14 minutes in Game 3. HI’s ability to stretch the court and allow Tatum and Brown switching to iso makes a big difference on a team that thrives on 3s and spacing.
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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can send him an email here, find his archives here and follow him on.
The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its clubs, or Warner Bros. Discovery.