In Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks stepped up to save their series against the Boston Celtics. Fueled by a fiery Luka Doncic, the Mavericks ultimately cruised to a 122-84 win over the Celtics. In the 3rd quarter, the Mavericks were up 45 points, which was the largest lead in a Finals game in the last 50 years. Ultimately, the Mavericks' victory was the largest win to avoid elimination in Finals history.
Though impressive, the lopsided outcome isn't the biggest blowout in the history of the NBA Finals.
1. 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls def. Jazz 96-54 in Game 3
The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, held the Utah Jazz to 30% (21-70) shooting from the field, including 11.1% (1-9) from 3-point range, and forced 26 turnovers in a 42-point win. Utah's 54 points remain the fewest by a team in NBA playoff history.
2. 2008 NBA Finals: Celtics def. Lakers 131-92 in Game 6
Boston's Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen led a Celtics charge that overwhelmed Kobe Bryant and the rival Los Angeles Lakers in a 39-point rout. It marked the largest blowout in a closeout game in NBA Finals history and sealed Boston's first championship since 1986.
3. 2024 NBA Finals: Mavericks def. Celtics 122-84 in Game 4
Though the Celtics came into Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals with a 3-0 advantage, the Mavericks quickly proved they weren't out of the race. The Mavericks shot 21-of-32 (66%) off passes in Game 4. The Celtics finished with 84 points, their fewest in any game this season (regular season or playoffs).
4. 2013 NBA Finals: Spurs def. Heat 113-77 in Game 3
San Antonio shot 52.9% from 3-point range en route to outscoring the Miami Heat 63-33 in the second half. But LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh overcame the 36-point loss and rallied the Heat to a win in Game 4 and ultimately the organization's second of back-to-back titles.
5. 1978 NBA Finals: Washington Bullets def. Seattle SuperSonics 117-82 in Game 6
Elvin Hayes finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 steals and the Washington Bullets had two other players with at least 12 rebounds in a 35-point drubbing of the Seattle SuperSonics. The Bullets' bench outscored Seattle's reserves 63-32.
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