BY NISAR KHAN
Miami swept Charlotte, Thunder and Blazers triumphed in overtime, and five series were tied - Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs first round brought a substantial dosage of thrilling basketball.
This article contains all the action, information and everything else from each game featured in the 2014 NBA Playoffs Game 4, Round 1 contested between 26 and 28 April. You'll find video highlights of key plays, key stats such as highest points and highest rebounds, times, locations and much more information.
Alleged racial comments from Clippers' owner Donald Sterling dominated the headlines around the league, with protests taking place in games and many players vocal.
On the court, beside one series its all to play for. Miami sweep Charlotte, but five series were tied in Game 4 - Portland and Washington though are a win away from wrapping it up.
Pacers Regroup To Tie Series Against Hawks
Score: Indiana Pacers 91 - 88 Atlanta Hawks
Location: Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Date: Saturday 26 April 2014
Tip-off: 2:00pm ET (7:00pm BST, UK)
Highest points: Paul Millsap (ATL), 29 pts.
Highest rebounds: Paul George (IND), 10 rebs.
Highest assists: Jeff Teague (ATL), 7 asts.
Current series score: Pacers 2 - 2 Hawks
Paul George was back on form, so was David West, as the Indiana Pacers bounced back in Atlanta to tie the series 2 - 2.
George Hill would score the game-defining points, getting a quick bucket down the drive with less than a minute remaining.
Though David West and Paul George would be the ones making the key contributions. As the final minutes ticked down, both nailed three-pointers to halt the Hawks at the Phillips Arena.
After George's rebound was dished to Hill to get the final points, Hawks squandered three possessions to put the game in their favor, and spectators saw a buzzer-beating attempt, where this time the buzzer won, as Antic missed a three-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime.
Paul George, who questioned the Pacers 'toughness' after their loss in Game 3, improved from a poor game to add 24 points and crash 10 rebounds.
On the other hand, the other Paul would also put on an outstanding performance - although it fell short. After scoring 29 points he gave away the ball with half a minute left on the clock, and missed a shot soon after. He was however successful in his attempt of fearing the Pacers. Getting into foul trouble in the third quarter after two fouls within seven seconds, he was forced onto the bench for the majority of the third phase, allowing West and George to give the Pacers a firm grasp of the outcome.
Hibbert's woes somewhat continued the game as he scored 6 points and had 3 rebounds in 25 minutes of game time. Getting his first two blocks of the series may act as encouragement, though.
It was nip-and-tuck going down the stretch in the final quarter. Tensions ran high with Atlanta's Scott and Indiana's Hill being given technical fouls after a small altercation, though nothing would be too controversial to cause a gaping absence.
George Hill would score the game-defining points, getting a quick bucket down the drive with less than a minute remaining.
Though David West and Paul George would be the ones making the key contributions. As the final minutes ticked down, both nailed three-pointers to halt the Hawks at the Phillips Arena.
After George's rebound was dished to Hill to get the final points, Hawks squandered three possessions to put the game in their favor, and spectators saw a buzzer-beating attempt, where this time the buzzer won, as Antic missed a three-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime.
Paul George, who questioned the Pacers 'toughness' after their loss in Game 3, improved from a poor game to add 24 points and crash 10 rebounds.
On the other hand, the other Paul would also put on an outstanding performance - although it fell short. After scoring 29 points he gave away the ball with half a minute left on the clock, and missed a shot soon after. He was however successful in his attempt of fearing the Pacers. Getting into foul trouble in the third quarter after two fouls within seven seconds, he was forced onto the bench for the majority of the third phase, allowing West and George to give the Pacers a firm grasp of the outcome.
Hibbert's woes somewhat continued the game as he scored 6 points and had 3 rebounds in 25 minutes of game time. Getting his first two blocks of the series may act as encouragement, though.
It was nip-and-tuck going down the stretch in the final quarter. Tensions ran high with Atlanta's Scott and Indiana's Hill being given technical fouls after a small altercation, though nothing would be too controversial to cause a gaping absence.
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| George eliminated Game 3 woes to bounce back big GETTY IMAGES |
Thunder Tie Series After Third Straight OT Finish With Grizzlies
Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 92 - 89 Memphis Grizzlies
Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN, USA.
Date: Saturday 26 April 2014
Tip-off: 9:30pm ET (2:30am BST, Sun. morning UK)
Highest points: Reggie Jackson (OKC), 32 pts.
Highest rebounds: Serge Ibaka (OKC), 14 rebs.
Highest rebounds: Serge Ibaka (OKC), 14 rebs.
Highest assists: Mike Conley (MEM), 10 asts.
Current series score: Thunder 2 - 2 Grizzlies
For the third straight game, 48 minutes was not enough to separate Oklahoma and Memphis. And for the second time in the series, Thunder would be the victors.
Reggie Jackson provided the much needed push for the Oklahoma City scoring a game-high and personal best in the playoffs total of 32 points.
After Thunder were looking to run away after putting together a 14-point lead, the fourth quarter would see things change. Memphis lost a lead to Oklahoma City Thunder again, in the final phase which saw seven lead changes.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were much quieter this time round with a combined 15 points between the tandem going for 11-45. Luckily for them though, Jackson's surge would put the Thunder back in the series.
The FedEx Arena attendants were on the edge of their seats as the game went to overtime, for third time between the two Western Conference sides.
Mike Conley gave Grizzlies a slender 87-86 lead in overtime, before Kevin Durant's free-throws and Jackson from the foul line were enough to tame the Grizzlies. Mike Conley missed his buzzer-beater which would have sent the game into a second overtime period.
Three straight overtime finishes? Unreal! These are the best two matched teams in the Western Conference and they are proving it. Reggie Jackson's involvement to rack up the key points is what makes the difference - how many sources of these vital points can each team find? Kevin Durant really needs to keep consistent, because the Thunder are lucky for both Durant and Westbrook to have a poor game but go onto win.
Reggie Jackson provided the much needed push for the Oklahoma City scoring a game-high and personal best in the playoffs total of 32 points.
After Thunder were looking to run away after putting together a 14-point lead, the fourth quarter would see things change. Memphis lost a lead to Oklahoma City Thunder again, in the final phase which saw seven lead changes.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were much quieter this time round with a combined 15 points between the tandem going for 11-45. Luckily for them though, Jackson's surge would put the Thunder back in the series.
The FedEx Arena attendants were on the edge of their seats as the game went to overtime, for third time between the two Western Conference sides.
Mike Conley gave Grizzlies a slender 87-86 lead in overtime, before Kevin Durant's free-throws and Jackson from the foul line were enough to tame the Grizzlies. Mike Conley missed his buzzer-beater which would have sent the game into a second overtime period.
Three straight overtime finishes? Unreal! These are the best two matched teams in the Western Conference and they are proving it. Reggie Jackson's involvement to rack up the key points is what makes the difference - how many sources of these vital points can each team find? Kevin Durant really needs to keep consistent, because the Thunder are lucky for both Durant and Westbrook to have a poor game but go onto win.
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| Jackson stepped up to tie the series GETTY IMAGES |
Wizards Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Bulls To Increase Chicago Woes
Score: Chicago Bulls 89 - 98 Washington Wizards
Location: Verizon Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Date: Sunday 27 April 2014
Score: Chicago Bulls 89 - 98 Washington Wizards
Location: Verizon Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Date: Sunday 27 April 2014
Tip-off: 1:00pm ET (6:00pm BST UK)
Highest points: Taj Gibson (CHI), 32 pts.
Highest rebounds: Joakim Noah (CHI), 15 rebs.
Highest assists: John Wall (WAS), 10 asts.
Current series score: Bulls 1 - 3 Wizards
After Nene's suspension, many thought Wizards would suffer - and many, were proved wrong.
Trevor Ariza was key with contributions to the Wizards assembling another big lead that would cause Chicago to tire in the chase to revive their chances in the game.
Going 13-16 from the field, Taj Gibson's 32 point game-high performance was subdued by poor shooting with combined FG of 22-62 from his Bulls' teammates.
After inspiring his side to the win in Game 3, Mike Dunleavy scored only 6 points in the game - and injured his thumb in the fourth quarter.
Chicago plummeted into the hole early on, and never got back, with Wizards leading by 14 for a big spell of the game.
Washington are thriving. Bulls got the win away in Game 3, though are one loss from losing in the series. Even without Nene, the Wizards put on a show and cause a bank of problems for the Bulls. If Dunleavy couldn't step up, Bulls needed someone who did, and like Game 1 and Game 2, this game was no different - because they didn't find it. Trevor Ariza broke through this time round with a solid win. There'll be a lot of pressure when Bulls look to keep their season alive back at home in Chicago.
Trevor Ariza was key with contributions to the Wizards assembling another big lead that would cause Chicago to tire in the chase to revive their chances in the game.
Going 13-16 from the field, Taj Gibson's 32 point game-high performance was subdued by poor shooting with combined FG of 22-62 from his Bulls' teammates.
After inspiring his side to the win in Game 3, Mike Dunleavy scored only 6 points in the game - and injured his thumb in the fourth quarter.
Chicago plummeted into the hole early on, and never got back, with Wizards leading by 14 for a big spell of the game.
Washington are thriving. Bulls got the win away in Game 3, though are one loss from losing in the series. Even without Nene, the Wizards put on a show and cause a bank of problems for the Bulls. If Dunleavy couldn't step up, Bulls needed someone who did, and like Game 1 and Game 2, this game was no different - because they didn't find it. Trevor Ariza broke through this time round with a solid win. There'll be a lot of pressure when Bulls look to keep their season alive back at home in Chicago.
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| An uphill climb for Bulls from the start USA TODAY SPORTS |
Nothing But Net For Curry As Warriors Tie Series
Score: Los Angeles Clippers 97 - 118 Golden State Warriors
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA, USA.
Date: Sunday 27 April 2014
Tip-off: 3:30pm ET (8:30pm BST UK)
Highest points: Steph Curry (GSW), 33 pts.
Highest rebounds: Steph Curry (GSW), 7 rebs.
Highest assists: Andre Iguadola (GSW), 9 asts.
Current series score: Clippers 2 - 2 Warriors
Steph Curry was incredible from three-point range as his 33 points saw the Warriors cleanly past the Clippers to tie the series of their first round Western Conference matchup.
After highly offensive racial remarks caught on tape from Clippers' owner Donald Sterling, the game was overshadowed by the headline. As part of Clippers' silent protest they got rid of their warm-up jerseys and wearing the red shirts inside out during the pregame routine. Undoubtedly his remarks have caused an uproar in the sporting World.
Warriors' lead in the game was assembled very early on, with Steph Curry's first five free-throw attempts being perfect where he would go onto add two more to that total, establishing a career-high for the postseason.
After a huge run which had the Oracle Arena raucous, Warriors went into the first quarter with 39 points, the highest points for the first quarter in their season. Andre Iguadola, who made key steals on some of the 19 turnovers from Clippers, was dunking left right and centre as Warriors were euphoric.
Clippers would trail from then on in, and in the second half they never closed the lead down to single digits.
The series is tied up at 2 - 2 with Game 5 being at the Staples Center. Some dramatic events could unfold as the aftermath of the owner's disgraceful remarks continue.
This game wasn't really about the basketball - it was about doing something to combat racism in the sport, with Donald Sterling's outrageous remarks being a shocker. At the Staples Center there is going to be a lot of hostility. As for the basketball though, Steph Curry's shooting was incredible, and although getting fouled out Klay Thompson and his partnership could be the asset that takes the Warriors much further.
After highly offensive racial remarks caught on tape from Clippers' owner Donald Sterling, the game was overshadowed by the headline. As part of Clippers' silent protest they got rid of their warm-up jerseys and wearing the red shirts inside out during the pregame routine. Undoubtedly his remarks have caused an uproar in the sporting World.
Warriors' lead in the game was assembled very early on, with Steph Curry's first five free-throw attempts being perfect where he would go onto add two more to that total, establishing a career-high for the postseason.
After a huge run which had the Oracle Arena raucous, Warriors went into the first quarter with 39 points, the highest points for the first quarter in their season. Andre Iguadola, who made key steals on some of the 19 turnovers from Clippers, was dunking left right and centre as Warriors were euphoric.
Clippers would trail from then on in, and in the second half they never closed the lead down to single digits.
The series is tied up at 2 - 2 with Game 5 being at the Staples Center. Some dramatic events could unfold as the aftermath of the owner's disgraceful remarks continue.
This game wasn't really about the basketball - it was about doing something to combat racism in the sport, with Donald Sterling's outrageous remarks being a shocker. At the Staples Center there is going to be a lot of hostility. As for the basketball though, Steph Curry's shooting was incredible, and although getting fouled out Klay Thompson and his partnership could be the asset that takes the Warriors much further.
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| Curry was on superb shooting form throughout the game GETTY IMAGES |
Raptors Bail Brooklyn, Series Tied After Game 4
Score: Toronto Raptors 87 - 79 Brooklyn Nets
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Date: Sunday 27 April 2014
Tip-off: 7:00pm ET (12:00am BST, Mon. morning UK)
Highest points: DeMar DeRozan (TOR), 24 pts.
Highest rebounds: Patrick Patterson (TOR), 9 rebs.
Highest rebounds: Patrick Patterson (TOR), 9 rebs.
Highest assists: Greivis Vasquez (TOR), 9 asts.
Current series score: Raptors 2 - 2 Nets
Toronto Raptors' young guns in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry outdid the veterans of the Brooklyn Nets to tie the series in a dramatic meeting at the Barclays Center.
Scoring 24 points, Toronto's DeRozan acknowledged his team's resilience and willingness to never give up, correlating to their fourth quarter resistance against a late Brooklyn rally.
Rise, fall, then rise - that is the simple pattern of how the Raptors got the win. Leading by 17 points, they gave up the lead in the second half, only to push the Nets back off the pedestal, and ultimately, to tie the series.
Paul Pierce racked up 22 points, although Nets' 3-17 in the final phase was key in their lack of points resulting in a less bigger threat to the Raptors.
In the game prior, Nets' Deron Williams and Joe Johnson were running riot through Toronto - though this was not the same affair. However they were shut down and the veterans were not heavily available to finish the clutch shots. DeMar DeRozan is breaking out as key in the playoffs.
Scoring 24 points, Toronto's DeRozan acknowledged his team's resilience and willingness to never give up, correlating to their fourth quarter resistance against a late Brooklyn rally.
Rise, fall, then rise - that is the simple pattern of how the Raptors got the win. Leading by 17 points, they gave up the lead in the second half, only to push the Nets back off the pedestal, and ultimately, to tie the series.
Paul Pierce racked up 22 points, although Nets' 3-17 in the final phase was key in their lack of points resulting in a less bigger threat to the Raptors.
In the game prior, Nets' Deron Williams and Joe Johnson were running riot through Toronto - though this was not the same affair. However they were shut down and the veterans were not heavily available to finish the clutch shots. DeMar DeRozan is breaking out as key in the playoffs.
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| DeRozan has been key for Raptors TURNER |
Blazers Triumph In Overtime To Lead 3 - 1 Over Rockets
Score: Houston Rockets 120 - 123 Portland Trail Blazers
Location: Moda Center, Portland, OR, USA.
Date: Sunday 27 April 2014
Tip-off: 9:30pm ET (2:30am BST, Mon. morning UK)
Highest points: LaMarcus Aldridge (POR), 29 pts.
Highest rebounds: Dwight Howard (HOU), 14 rebs.
Highest assists: Damian Lillard (POR), 8 asts.
Current series score: Rockets 1 - 3 Blazers
For the third time in the series, the end of the fourth quarter would not be the end of the game, as LaMarcus Aldridge inspired the Portland Trail Blazers to lead 3 - 1 over the Rockets.
Scoring 29 points and crashing 10 rebounds, Aldridge helped bring more finesse and at times hard, physical basketball, while his teammate Nicolus Batum scored 25 points - redeeming himself from missing a crucial chance to wrap up the game last time round.
James Harden and Dwight Howard were on good form, as The Bearded One put up 28 points, while Dwight Howard had three less but picked up 14 rebounds. Despite this, free-throws from Williams would make the three-point difference in the final total.
At one point in the contest Blazers trailed by 11 points, but managed to put themselves back into contention over the fourth quarter. Mo Williams nailed a three-pointer, though after Wright hit one free-throw, Howard's dunk with three and a half seconds remaining equalized, sending it to overtime - the game could have been won moments later though Williams missed the three.
Tied at 106 to start overtime, Portland would soon break away a 7-point lead with a 117-110 scoreline. The lead was cut with Daniels' three and Harden's jumpshot to get within 119-117.
After Lillard's free-throws, Portland were up, 121-117. Fouled making a three-pointer Daniels successfully converted the free-throws to make it 121-120. However, Mo Williams made two more shots from the foul line to make the scoreline.
Houston lose out, marginally. An absolute thriller once again between these two teams. Massive victory for Portland who are a win away. However if Houston want to win, they'll be going to Game 7 - imagine that. Harden and Howard were both good but maybe Houston need to find a more significant spark from Parsons and co, allowing them to take off pressure during double-teams and confidently take shots. If Aldridge and Lillard continue to blitz for Portland then they could go real far in the playoffs.
Scoring 29 points and crashing 10 rebounds, Aldridge helped bring more finesse and at times hard, physical basketball, while his teammate Nicolus Batum scored 25 points - redeeming himself from missing a crucial chance to wrap up the game last time round.
James Harden and Dwight Howard were on good form, as The Bearded One put up 28 points, while Dwight Howard had three less but picked up 14 rebounds. Despite this, free-throws from Williams would make the three-point difference in the final total.
At one point in the contest Blazers trailed by 11 points, but managed to put themselves back into contention over the fourth quarter. Mo Williams nailed a three-pointer, though after Wright hit one free-throw, Howard's dunk with three and a half seconds remaining equalized, sending it to overtime - the game could have been won moments later though Williams missed the three.
Tied at 106 to start overtime, Portland would soon break away a 7-point lead with a 117-110 scoreline. The lead was cut with Daniels' three and Harden's jumpshot to get within 119-117.
After Lillard's free-throws, Portland were up, 121-117. Fouled making a three-pointer Daniels successfully converted the free-throws to make it 121-120. However, Mo Williams made two more shots from the foul line to make the scoreline.
Houston lose out, marginally. An absolute thriller once again between these two teams. Massive victory for Portland who are a win away. However if Houston want to win, they'll be going to Game 7 - imagine that. Harden and Howard were both good but maybe Houston need to find a more significant spark from Parsons and co, allowing them to take off pressure during double-teams and confidently take shots. If Aldridge and Lillard continue to blitz for Portland then they could go real far in the playoffs.
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| Lillard is stepping up to threaten the Rockets GETTY IMAGES |
LeBron James Rallies Heat To Sweep Bobcats
Score: Miami Heat 109 - 98 Charlotte Bobcats
Location: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Date: Monday 28 April 2014
Tip-off: 7:00pm ET (12:00am BST, Tues. morning UK)
Highest points: LeBron James (MIA), 31 pts.
Highest rebounds: Josh McRoberts (CHA), 10 rebs.
Highest assists: LeBron James (MIA), 9 asts.
Current series score: Heat 4 - 0 Bobcats, Miami Heat win series, progress to Round 2
Although picking up an injury in North Carolina, LeBron James spearheaded Miami's progression to the next round, giving LeBron plenty of time to recover.
It was one of those dream games were The Big Three were all on their game. LeBron topped the scoring with 31 points, Wade put up 15 points and Chris Bosh added two more than Wade.
LeBron James, who's surge helped Heat control the game in the third, collided with Biymbo's knee when going for the dunk. After taking time of on the bench, LeBron scored 11 points in the fourth quarter - Miami needn't worry.
Turnovers, after turnovers - 16 in total, for the Bobcats and two of which lead to dunks by LeBron James as part of 22 points made from the turnovers.
Kemba Walker, going 11-15 with 29 points, had little help that would subside the Heat's pressure on him. Charlotte, losing their 20th straight game to the Heat, still have a lot to gun for.
'Bobcats' no more, though. Their team name will change to 'Hornets' next season, and if they continue their improvements, it could be a very different scene to the Bobcats.
Miami were strong in unison, in a stand against racism. Like the Clippers did, Miami ditched their white t-shirts on the court and wore the jerseys inside out.
After LeBron James stared down Jordan when dunking in Game 3, the Bobcats' owner embraced him and Dwyane Wade after the game.
Miami Heat were utterly dominant over the series. Yes, Charlotte may have had their leads but never did many think that Charlotte could have put together a win. As a young team though, there is plenty to bring forward, and the prospects of NBA Playoff qualification is enough to satisfy, for now. Heat have got off to a great start with their sweep, giving them plenty of time to scout future matches, as many games are looking to go down to the wire.
It was one of those dream games were The Big Three were all on their game. LeBron topped the scoring with 31 points, Wade put up 15 points and Chris Bosh added two more than Wade.
LeBron James, who's surge helped Heat control the game in the third, collided with Biymbo's knee when going for the dunk. After taking time of on the bench, LeBron scored 11 points in the fourth quarter - Miami needn't worry.
Turnovers, after turnovers - 16 in total, for the Bobcats and two of which lead to dunks by LeBron James as part of 22 points made from the turnovers.
Kemba Walker, going 11-15 with 29 points, had little help that would subside the Heat's pressure on him. Charlotte, losing their 20th straight game to the Heat, still have a lot to gun for.
'Bobcats' no more, though. Their team name will change to 'Hornets' next season, and if they continue their improvements, it could be a very different scene to the Bobcats.
Miami were strong in unison, in a stand against racism. Like the Clippers did, Miami ditched their white t-shirts on the court and wore the jerseys inside out.
After LeBron James stared down Jordan when dunking in Game 3, the Bobcats' owner embraced him and Dwyane Wade after the game.
Miami Heat were utterly dominant over the series. Yes, Charlotte may have had their leads but never did many think that Charlotte could have put together a win. As a young team though, there is plenty to bring forward, and the prospects of NBA Playoff qualification is enough to satisfy, for now. Heat have got off to a great start with their sweep, giving them plenty of time to scout future matches, as many games are looking to go down to the wire.
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| Dwyane Wade continues to contribute to Miami's key tandem USA TODAY SPORTS |
Ginobli, The Amazing Argentine, As Spurs Tie With Mavs
Score: San Antonio Spurs 93 - 89 Dallas Mavericks
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Date: Monday 28 April 2014
Tip-off: 9:30pm ET (2:30am BST, Tues. morning UK)
Highest points: Manu Ginobli (SAS), 23 pts.
Highest rebounds: Samuel Dalembert (DAL), 15 rebs.
Highest assists: Manu Ginobli (SAS), Vince Carter (DAL), 5 asts.
Current series score: Spurs 2 - 2 Mavericks
Manu Ginobli's big game was big enough to thwart a Dallas comeback on the brink of success.
Scoring 23 points, the veteran was the centrepiece in Spurs' effort, which saw their 20 point lead almost get cut down to losing.
After Vince Carter's buzzer-beating three pointer deflated the Spurs in an incredible win last time round, Dallas were much quieter - even though Nowitzki scored 19, Monta Ellis had a poor game, going 6-20 and missing a good look to tie the game with a layup.
Tiago Splitter and Tim Duncan both had double-doubles, essential in building the lead, and more importantly, retaining it.
Tied at 83 from Splitter's free-throws, Spurs got forward further, before Boris Diaw gave them a 90-87 lead. 32 seconds were left, meaning Mavs could do something about it.
Whatever they did, was not good enough.
After Ellis missed the three, the towering German Dirk Nowitzki scored off the rebound, though Ginobli's freee-throws and two more points added would see the Spurs past, to tie the series.
Its been clear in this series of how the games pan out - they don't necessarily stick close throughout the game, but definitely do in the fourth. Monta Ellis' poor performance really left the Mavericks short handed, and Boris Diaw giving the extra edge to Spurs was what they needed.
Scoring 23 points, the veteran was the centrepiece in Spurs' effort, which saw their 20 point lead almost get cut down to losing.
After Vince Carter's buzzer-beating three pointer deflated the Spurs in an incredible win last time round, Dallas were much quieter - even though Nowitzki scored 19, Monta Ellis had a poor game, going 6-20 and missing a good look to tie the game with a layup.
Tiago Splitter and Tim Duncan both had double-doubles, essential in building the lead, and more importantly, retaining it.
Tied at 83 from Splitter's free-throws, Spurs got forward further, before Boris Diaw gave them a 90-87 lead. 32 seconds were left, meaning Mavs could do something about it.
Whatever they did, was not good enough.
After Ellis missed the three, the towering German Dirk Nowitzki scored off the rebound, though Ginobli's freee-throws and two more points added would see the Spurs past, to tie the series.
Its been clear in this series of how the games pan out - they don't necessarily stick close throughout the game, but definitely do in the fourth. Monta Ellis' poor performance really left the Mavericks short handed, and Boris Diaw giving the extra edge to Spurs was what they needed.
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| Ginobli emerged in the veterans' battle GETTY IMAGES |
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That's all for Game 4.
Miami are clean through, but the same can't be said for five series, which are tied. There was plenty of superb basketball yet again.
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