DALLAS – Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis will be available for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with a torn medial retinaculum allowing disclocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg.
However, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Porzingis is “not quite there” but may use him in “specific instances if necessary.”
He sustained the injury in Game 2 in Boston and also missed Game 3 in Dallas.
Porzingis missed 10 consecutive playoff games from the end of the first round through the Eastern Conference finals and returned in Game 1 against Dallas scoring 20 points, including 11 in the first quarter, and grabbing six rebounds.
The Celtics look to secure their 18th championship Friday, facing the Dallas Mavericks with a 3-0 lead.
A win Friday night in Dallas would break Boston's tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for most titles in NBA history.
Jaylen Brown has been the Celtics' leading scorer, averaging 24.3 points in these Finals. Mavericks star Luka Doncic is averaging 29.7 points in three games, but fouled out of Dallas' Game 3 loss that put the team on the brink of elimination.
Keep it here for updates from Game 4 Friday night:
Dirk Nowitzki sitting courtside in Dallas
Dirk Nowitzki is in the building and he likes what he sees so far. Nowitzki was seen clapping courtside at American Airlines Center after the Mavericks took a 34-21 lead over the Celtics after the first quarter. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to its first and only NBA title, in 2011. Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Mavericks, was also on the championship team that defeated the Heat that year. — Cydney Henderson
Q1: Dallas 34, Boston 21
DALLAS — Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving scored Dallas’ first 10 points, Dereck Lively II provided a boost off the bench and the Mavericks owned a 34-21 lead after the first quarter.
Doncic had 13 points and three rebounds in the quarter, and Lively made a 3-pointer and a dunk on consecutive possessions. The 3-pointer was the third attempt and first make of Lively’s rookie career. He had five points and five rebounds in the quarter, and Irving scored nine points.
Dallas shot 58.3% from the field and made 4-for-7 on 3s.
Jayson Tatum scored 11 points for the Celtics, who were 8-for-21 from the field and 2-for-9 on 3-pointers. — Jeff Zillgitt
Watch: Dereck Lively II makes first three of his career
Dereck Lively II only attempted two 3-pointers his entire rookie season. But with the Mavericks trailing the Celtics 3-0 in the NBA Finals, Dallas is pulling out all the stops. Lively came off the bench early in the first quarter and added instant impact. He knocked down a three, the first of his NBA career, to allow Dallas to retake the lead, 13-11. He slammed down an alley-oop dunk from Kyrie Irving in the Mavericks’ next possession as they went up 15-11. Lively has five points in seven minutes of play.— Cydney Henderson
Celtics, Mavericks duos firing early
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks’ dynamic duos are coming out of the gate swinging. The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have scored all the points of Game 4 so far nearly six minutes into the first quarter. The Mavericks are up by one, 10-9 with 6:44 remaining.
Tatum has five points and Brown has four.
Doncic has six points so far, but is struggling early from beyond the arc. He’s 0-of-2 from three. Irving has four points.— Cydney Henderson
What time is NBA Finals Game 4?
Tip is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas.
How to watch NBA Finals Game 4
ABC will broadcast every game of the 2024 NBA Finals.
How to stream NBA Finals Game 4
Each game of the 2024 NBA Finals can be streamed on ESPN+ or on Fubo.
Joel Embiid on Olympics, Celtics: ‘I hate Boston’
Joel Embiid made an appearance on the NBA Finals pre-game broadcast and he’s not happy to be on the sidelines.
“I can’t stand them. I hate Boston,” Embiid said when asked how it feels to see the Celtics one game from the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. “Great city, great fans, they’ve obviously they got some great players … but the whole East was kind of hurt, myself included.”
Although Embiid’s NBA season is over, his summer is booked after he was named to the 2024 U.S. men’s national basketball team roster. Embiid missed a portion of this season after having surgery on his left knee in April, but he said he’s hopeful to play in Paris.
“I’m doing great … It's going to be big for me because I’ve been dreaming about (the Olympics) since I was a kid. I’m excited just to be part of the experience,” Embiid said. “I feel pretty good. I’m excited to get back and go to work.”
When asked if he will be able to go, he said, “I want to go but we’ll see.” — Cydney Henderson
Luka Doncic exchanges jerseys with soccer legend
Game 4 of the NBA Finals hasn’t started yet, but Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has already done a jersey exchange.
Soccer legend Sergio Ramos and his son visited Doncic ahead of Friday’s pivotal game as the Mavericks look to avoid a sweep by the Boston Celtics. Ramos gifted several of his Real Madrid jerseys to Doncic, in addition to red cleats. Ramos played soccer for Real Madrid from 2005-2021, while Doncic played basketball for Real Madrid from 2015-2018. — Cydney Henderson
Boston Celtics starting lineup
There are no changes to either starting lineup for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
- Derrick White
- Jrue Holiday
Dallas Mavericks starting lineup
There are no changes to either starting lineup for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- P.J. Washington
- Daniel Gafford
- Kyrie Irving
- Luka Doncic
Coach Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic: 'Give my man a break'
DALLAS – Following the criticism of Mavs star Luka Doncic, especially his defense and officiating complaints, coach Jason Kidd defended his All-NBA guard before Game 4 Friday.
“What I'm more disappointed in is that we are at the highest stage where we have one of the best players in the world playing the game the right way but we want to criticize some of the things that he does not do well,” Kidd said, adding, “sometimes it's just unfair or unwarranted to say those things. No one in this room is perfect, right. So, like, give my man a break. Let him play the game. Because we are all here to watch him play, right, and so let's just enjoy it. He's 25 years old. He will be better.
“Hopefully he's better tonight.” — Jeff Zillgitt
Luka Doncic needs treatment before Game 4
DALLAS – Luka Doncic required another pain-killing shot for his bruised chest before Game 4, the Mavericks star guard told ESPN, and the Mavs said Doncic is available to play Friday. — Jeff Zillgitt
What is Kristaps Porzingis’ injury?
Porzingis was diagnosed with a “torn medial retinaculum allowing disclocation of the posterior tibialis tendon” in his left leg. The team called this a “rare injury.”
Is Kristaps Porzingis playing for Celtics in NBA Finals?
Kristaps Porzingis played during Game 1 of the NBA Finals and had 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Before Game 3, Porzingis was diagnosed with a “rare” injury to his left leg, leading the Celtics to list him as “day-to-day.”
Porzingis did not play in Game 3. He is available for Game 4, according to coach Joe Mazzulla.
Scott Foster leads officiating crew for Game 4
The officiating crew for Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks boasts major experience. Scott Foster will serve as the crew chief in the 25th Finals game of his career, which marks the most among all active officials. The referee crew will be rounded out by David Guthrie, in his 11th Finals game, and James Williams, in his fifth Finals game. Ben Taylor will serve as the alternate.– Cydney Henderson
Has any team come back from down 3-0 in the NBA Finals?
For Mavericks fans searching for hope, there may not be much left: No team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Finals.
In fact, a team that is down 3-0 in the Finals has lost all 156 times.
NBA Finals schedule
- Game 1: Celtics 107, Mavericks 89 (Boston leads 1-0)
- Game 2: Celtics 105, Mavericks 98 (Boston leads 2-0)
- Game 3: Celtics 106, Mavericks 99 (Boston leads 3-0)
- Friday: Game 4 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
- *Monday, June 17: Game 5 at Boston, 8:30 p.m. on ABC
- *Thursday, June 20: Game 6 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. on ABC
- *Sunday, June 23: Game 7 at Boston, 8 p.m. on ABC
- * - if necessary
NBA Finals odds
According to BetMGM, the Celtics are –10000 to win the NBA championship against the Mavericks. Dallas is +2000.
NBA Finals MVP odds
According to BetMGM:
- Jayson Tatum, Celtics: +275
- Jaylen Brown, Celtics: -350
- Luka Dončić, Mavericks: +3000
- Jrue Holiday, Celtics: +6600
NBA Finals predictions
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA experts’ picks and predictions for the 2024 NBA Finals:
- Scooby Axson: Celtics in 6
- Cydney Henderson: Mavericks in 6
- Lindsay Schnell: Mavericks in 7
- Jeff Zillgitt: Celtics in 6
NBA Finals Game 4 predictions
Mike Freeman, USA TODAY: Mavericks 101, Celtics 98
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY:Mavericks 106, Celtics 104
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Mavericks 106, Celtics 97
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Celtics 110, Mavs 99
(Series predictions from USA TODAY staffers)
Continued 'trust' in Brown and Tatum have Celtics on cusp of title
DALLAS –Jaylen BrownandJayson Tatumembraced at halfcourt.
TheBoston Celticshad just extinguished a massive Dallas comeback anddefeated the Mavericks 106-99 Wednesdayfor a 3-0 series lead inthe NBA Finals.
Brown and Tatum, the Celtics' two stars, were not celebrating.
However, they understood the significance of the moment. Not only are the Celtics one victory from their first championship since 2008, Brown and Tatum – the Celtics’ foundational players who were drafted in 2016 and 2017, respectively – are on the verge of winning their first championship and quieting doubters who didn’t believe their partnership could produce a title.
“Showing the emotions of the game,” Tatum explained. “Two guys that was excited (and) tired after the game. We're not necessarily saying like 'one more' or anything like that. We are just saying, 'however long it takes.' Nobody is relaxed. Nobody is satisfied.
“Just at that moment, told him I was proud of him and he said the same thing. We've got to keep fighting. We can't relax. And that was basically the conversation.”
Said Brown: "I'm just trying to stay in the moment. It feels great to be up 3-0 in the series but the job is not done."
Read Jeff Zillgitt's complete column.
Criticism of Luka Doncic mounting
DALLAS –Luka Doncicfouled out of the Game 3 in the NBA Finals.
Here’s the problem: Doncic can’t foul out. Not in the Finals. Not with the game close late in the fourth quarter thatDallas ended up losing 106-99.
TheDallas Mavericksstar is too valuable, too indispensable.
Doncic missed the final 4:12 of the fourth quarter after picking up his sixth and disqualifying foul with theBoston Celticsup 93-90. He picked up his fifth foul 26 seconds earlier and objected to the idea of getting six fouls. "You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I'm like, ‘C'mon, man. Better than that,' " he said.
Read Jeff Zillgitt's story.
Joe Mazzulla, Jason Kidd make NBA Finals history
The year was 1975. It wouldn't be long before Apple computer was founded. A show called “Saturday Night Live” premiered on NBC. There was Disco, 8-track players and bell-bottom pants.
Also, that year the NBA Finals featured two Black head coaches in Golden State's Al Attles and Washington's K.C. Jones. It wasn't just the first time two Black head coaches faced off in the Finals, it was also the first major sports championship in U.S. history featuring two Black head coaches.
We fast-forward to now (minus the bell-bottoms). There are again two Black head coaches in the NBA Finals.
Read Mike Freeman’s column.
Mark Cuban and Mavericks sale
The Adelson and Dumont families reached a binding agreement to purchase a majority ownership of the Dallas Mavericks from owner Mark Cuban back in November.
Miriam Adelson, the widow of Las Vegas Sands Corp. founder Sheldon Adelson, and her family said in an SEC filing it is selling $2 billion of LVS stock and “they currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, along with additional cash on hand, to fund the purchase of a majority interest in a professional sports franchise pursuant to a binding purchase agreement, subject to customary league approvals.”
Cuban has been one of the NBA’s most prominent owners in the past two decades and one of the most fined, racking up nearly $4 million in fines — and that doesn’t include $10 million Cuban donated to women’s groups following an investigation into a toxic work environment, including sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, within the Mavericks’ organization. — Jeff Zillgitt
Celtics championships
Boston’s 17 NBA championships are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for most in league history. The Celtics’ last NBA Finals win came in 2008 when Doc Rivers’ team, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, knocked off the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers in six games. The Celtics lost in the NBA Finals in 2010 (to same Lakers in seven games) and 2022 (to Golden State Warriors in six games).
Mavericks championships
Dallas has one NBA title to its name, coming in 2011 when Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd (the Mavericks’ current coach) beat the Miami Heat in six games. It was Miami’s first season as the Heatles, a nickname given due to their worldwide appeal with stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh teaming up. The Mavericks went to the NBA Finals only one other time, losing in 2006 to a Heat team that had Wade, but also Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Terry and Antoine Walker.
Celtics playoff schedule
- Earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference
- Eastern Conference first round: Beat No. 8 Miami Heat in five games
- Eastern Conference semifinals: Beat No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in five games
- Eastern Conference finals: Beat No. 6 Indiana Pacers in four games
Mavericks playoff schedule
- Earned the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference
- Western Conference first round: Beat No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers in six games
- Western Conference semifinals: Beat No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder in six games
- Western Conference finals: Beat No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves in five games
Celtics vs. Mavericks regular-season series
The Celtics went 2-0 against the Mavericks during the regular season.
Jayson Tatum scored 39 points with 11 rebounds in Boston’s 119-110 victory in Dallas on Jan. 22.
Tatum led the way again with 32 points and eight rebounds on March 1, when Boston won 138-110.
Celtics coaching staff
- Head coach: Joe Mazzulla
- Assistant coach: Charles Lee
- Assistant coach: Samuel Cassell
- Assistant coach: Tony Dobbins
- Assistant coach: Amile Jefferson
- Assistant coach: DJ MacLeay
- Assistant coach: Matthew Reynolds
- Senior consultant: Jeff Van Gundy
Mavericks coaching staff
- Head coach: Jason Kidd
- Assistant coach: Darrell Armstrong
- Assistant coach: Sean Sweeney
- Assistant coach: Marko Milic
- Assistant coach: Jared Dudley
- Assistant coach: Keith Vaney
- Assistant coach: Josh Broghamer
- Assistant coach: Eric Hughes
- Assistant coach: Alex Jensen
- Head of player culture: God Shammgod
Who won the NBA Finals in 2023?
The Denver Nuggets won last year’s NBA Finals in five games against the Miami Heat. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was named the MVP of the series after averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists.
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