As the Boston Celtics prepare for Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the team has confirmed that Kristaps Porzingis, who missed Game 3 due to a leg injury, is now available to play against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his availability, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has clarified that Porzingis will only be used in specific instances, if necessary. The Celtics are not only looking to complete a historic sweep but also to clinch their 18th NBA championship, which would establish them as the most successful franchise in the league’s history and cap off their remarkable 9-0 postseason road record with a final win in Dallas at the American Airlines Center at 9:30 PM on Friday on ABC or ESPN streaming platforms. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are backed into a corner, down 0-3 in the series, with the daunting task of attempting to be the first-ever team in the NBA to come back from such a deficit. Dallas coach Jason Kidd has sparked debate with his comments about Jaylen Brown, while Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has defended Luka Doncic’s performance, despite Doncic not scoring 30 points in Game 3 and making costly mistakes. The Mavericks, led by Doncic, are fighting to win their second championship in franchise history, their first being in 2011. The assignment of Scott Foster as the referee for Game 4 has generated discussion among fans and analysts, with some speculating whether his presence could influence the outcome of the game. However, the Celtics have won all six games with Foster officiating this season, while the Mavericks have won three out of five. As Game 4 approaches, the Celtics remain focused on the task at hand, with players Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and completing the series with a victory.
Key points
- Kristaps Porzingis is available for the Celtics in Game 4 against the Mavericks, potentially impacting the series outcome.
- The Celtics are one victory away from earning their 18th NBA title, which would be the most in league history.
- The Mavericks are attempting to avert a series sweep and make an unprecedented comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Finals.
