Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II Throws Down Vicious 2-Handed Dunk Against Celtics in NBA Finals

The Mavericks rookie center had an emphatic dunk in a huge third quarter.

Jun 14, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter during game four of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks picked up their first win in the NBA Finals, defeating the Boston Celtics 122-84, now trailing the series 3-1.

No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit, and the Mavericks would have to win the next three straight games to be crowned NBA Champions, and that is no easy feat when taking on a 64-win team.

Still, the Mavericks can hold out hope, and even more so after securing their first victory. Their adjustments seemingly worked, and it'll be interesting to see if the Mavericks can return to Dallas for a Game 6 next week.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic's Mavericks Use Dominant Game 4 Victory Over Celtics to Extend NBA Finals

One key player for the Mavericks was rookie center Dereck Lively II who has now had two strong games in a row in the absence of Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis. In the Game 4 victory, the rookie had 11 points and 12 rebounds as a plus-20 in the box score.

He also threw down a vicious slam in the middle of an incredible third quarter.

LIVELY II WITH TWO HANDS 😤

Dirk and the Dallas faithful are loving it!

🏆 Game 4 on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/D5H75lZx7d

— NBA (@NBA) June 15, 2024

The Mavericks led by 26 points at halftime. They used the third quarter to keep their foot on the gas, and Lively's slam extended Dallas' lead over the Celtics to 36 points.

To no surprise, Mavericks fans and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki enjoyed every bit of it, as he relishes watching his team in the NBA Finals in search of the franchise's second championship. Their first title came 13 years ago as Nowitzki led the team to an unlikely victory, knocking off a handful of powerful teams.

The Mavericks now head to Boston for a Game 5 on Monday, looking to continue extending the series as they look to make history and eventually hoist the Larry O'Brien.

READ MORE: Mavericks' Jason Kidd Rips, Defends Luka Doncic Against 'Personal Attacks' from Media

Stick with MavericksGameday for more coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA Finals

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