The Dallas Mavericks looked done after Game 3 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Despite a 3-0 deficit and having two starters sidelined, the Mavs showed heart by extending their postseason lives with a 121-109 Game 4 victory on Sunday. But a comeback still appears a far-fetched dream.
The Mavericks scrambled in Game 4. They dived for loose balls, sprinted on every opportunity in transition and occasionally played some disruptive defense.
J.J. Barea and Al-Farouq Aminu, inserted into the starting lineup as a last-ditch effort by head coach Rick Carlisle to salvage the season, stepped up big time.