Three hours before the start of Game 4, Jason Kidd knew what his team needed to try to send the NBA Finals back to Boston for a Game 5: “We need everyone to contribute. »
Since the start of the series, the Celtics have dominated the battle of the second knives. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and even Xavier Tillman all had one or more standout moments that helped their team win the first three games. On the Mavs side, Luka Doncic had blackened the score sheet during each meeting, Kyrie Irving woke up during Game 3, but behind them, it was much too weak.
Throughout the playoffs, Dallas' role players, whether in the starting five or coming off the bench, had a decisive impact on their team's impressive run in the Western Conference. During the NBA Finals, whether due to their lack of experience at this level or the Celtics' intractable defense, they had not yet managed to put their mark on the series.
A rotation that adapts
“We need someone off the bench, Maxi (Kleber), D-Live (Lively II), Josh (Green), Exum, whatever. But tonight we really need someone to take responsibility and put in the work. And I really think it's going to happen.” preached Jason Kidd.
If they didn't all put in, his players all responded and contributed something in what became the third largest victory in the history of the NBA Finals (122-84).
It all started with the entry of Derek Lively II in the first quarter. The rookie grabbed three offensive rebounds, protected the rim and played with contagious energy.
“He was exceptional. His energy was exceptional,” enjoyed Jason Kidd after the meeting. “His ability to give us second chances, he even made his first career 3-point shot, he was very good tonight. »
However, the match really turned with the entries of Josh Green and of Maxi Kleber with just over five minutes left in the first quarter and the score 15-13 in favor of Dallas. The Mavs then finished the period on a 19-8 run to take a 14-point lead.
It was with the same five, composed of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, associated with the Lively II – Green – Kleber trio that the Mavs were able to return to the match during Game 3. This night, Jason Kidd changed his rotation to line up all five players together. What makes this combination so effective for the Mavs?
“It’s a five that works for us because, defensively, we are all on the same length and it’s a five that has a lot of size with D-Live and Maxi inside, even if they are also capable to switch outside, » explained Josh Green. “And then D-Live and I knew we had to bring the same energy as in Game 3, the same aggression. »
Derek Lively II, who scored 6 points and 6 rebounds in the last quarter of Game 3, confirmed his impact. He finished with a second straight double-double, joining Magic Johnson as the only player under 20 to achieve this kind of performance in the NBA Finals.
“We found something in the last quarter of Game 3 and we wanted to restart this group as quickly as possible,” confirmed Jason Kidd. “Their energy, the pace with which they played, their defensive activity, they did the same thing tonight. We were able to chain stops and push the ball to attack the racket on the other side. For the first time in the series, we managed to make them pay for their mistakes, rather than the other way around. »
Keep this mindset
On the Celtics side, players, like Joe Mazzulla, wanted to take their hats off to their opponents. The Mavs, who were up to 48 points ahead, simply dominated Boston in the engagement.
“They played with a ton of energy and aggression. They were physical, much more physical and intense than us. Well done to them,” admitted a visibly frustrated Joe Mazzulla.
In front of their home crowd and with their survival at stake, the Mavs had the energy of desperation. They could have given up if Boston had started the game better or responded like that, but Jason Kidd's group has character.
“The message before the meeting was very simple because in our situation, there is no point in complicating things. We don’t do surgery,” blurted the Dallas coach. “We were desperate tonight, we were desperate, we had to win, and we sent a message. But nothing is done, we have to continue playing like this and prevent them from finishing the job. »
And this message was received five out of five by all players. If they don't all have a stat line that pops the screen, they all had a positive impact on the match.
Daniel Gafford was excellent at the start of the third quarter, PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr were everywhere in defense and put in 3-pointers, and Dante Exum was able to take over from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to install the game, continuing to push the pace and making Boston's defense pay when he was free.
“It’s really contagious when everyone gets involved,” said Dante Exum (10 points, 2/4 from 3-points). “And that starts with our defense. If we make a series of stops, we can push the ball in transition, everyone runs in their lane, it helps a lot not to have to play against a positioned defense. And for me when I came in, that was my main goal, even on a made basket, I tried to push the ball to give us an advantage and attack more quickly. »
The Mavs know, however, that they cannot rest on their laurels. During Game 5, they will present themselves in a boiling TD Garden, which will be keen to push its franchise towards its first title since 2008. The Celtics, who were humiliated last night, will show a completely different face.
Until now, Dallas' second knives have not managed to perform at the level on the Boston field. How can they take their last five quarters and play the same way on the road?
“We do not forget that our backs are always against the wall. We had to win tonight and we will be in the same situation on Monday,” confirmed Derek Lively II. “We must keep the same mentality, the same energy of despair, and have the will to leave our lives on the pitch. It doesn't matter if it's diving on the ground, diving into the crowd, bumping an opponent, or being aggressive and strong. We have to win all the little battles and go for the next match. »
Comments collected in Dallas.
