Celtics Edge Closer to Sweep, Mavericks Face Elimination

Tatum, Brown Lead Boston to Game 4 Victory

Mavs Intensity Key to Game 5

Boston, MA - The Boston Celtics moved one win away from sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals on Thursday, following a 830 ET victory in Game 4. All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics, combining for 54 points to overcome the absence of injured big man Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 5 scheduled for Friday. Despite the Celtics' dominance thus far, the Mavericks are not yet ready to throw in the towel. "We know we have to be better, especially defensively," said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. "If we can match their intensity and execution, we can still make this a series." The Mavericks will need to find a way to slow down Tatum and Brown, who have been virtually unstoppable in the Finals. Tatum, in particular, has been on a tear, averaging 30.5 points per game in the series. "He's playing at a different level right now," said Celtics coach Ime Udoka of Tatum. "He's tough to guard, and he's making everyone around him better." The Celtics' victory was also aided by the return of point guard Marcus Smart, who missed the previous two games with an ankle injury. Smart's presence helped to stabilize the Celtics' defense and provide valuable minutes off the bench. "It was great to have Marcus back out there," said Brown. "He's a leader for us, and he brings a lot of energy to the team." The Mavericks will have their chance to send the series back to Dallas on Friday, but they will need to put together their best performance of the series to do so. Tip-off for Game 5 is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.