The Boston Celtics are just one victory away from clinching their record 18th NBA championship after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 in Game 3 of the Finals. This marks the fifth victory for the Celtics over the Mavericks this season, continuing their unbeaten streak against Dallas. Despite a strong start from the Mavericks, who led 25-12 early on, the Celtics clawed back to make it 31-30 by the end of the first quarter and kept the score tight until halftime. A commanding third quarter allowed Boston to extend their lead to 21 points, ultimately withstanding a fierce comeback attempt from Dallas to secure the win.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Shine Under Pressure
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Celtics, scoring 31 and 30 points respectively, with Brown adding eight rebounds and eight assists. Their performances were crucial in staving off the Mavericks’ comeback, especially in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who was sidelined due to a tendon injury. Tatum emphasized the importance of resilience in their pursuit of the championship, stating, “Playing basketball is a constant rollercoaster. If you want to be a champion, you have to be resilient and respond to various situations. And we did that today.”
Dallas Struggles Despite Irving’s Efforts
For the Mavericks, Luka Dončić scored 27 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 11/27 from the field and 1/7 from beyond the arc. Dončić fouled out with over four minutes remaining, leaving Kyrie Irving, who scored 35 points, without sufficient support from the rest of the team. The absence of significant contributions from other players ultimately hindered the Mavericks’ chances of securing a win.
A Historic Opportunity for Boston
The Celtics can secure their 18th championship as soon as the next game, scheduled for Friday night in Dallas. This would be their first title since 2008 and only their second since 1986. Historically, no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs, a statistic that heavily favors Boston. The Celtics currently share the record for most championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, both holding 17 titles each.
Mavericks Determined to Make History
Despite the daunting odds, Mavericks center Dereck Lively II remains optimistic. “We need to make history. We need to play as if our lives depend on it,” he stated. Dallas will need to overcome unprecedented adversity to turn the series around, starting with Game 4.
The Celtics’ dominance and their impeccable record in this series position them on the brink of achieving a historic milestone in NBA history. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Boston can seal the deal and claim their place as the team with the most NBA championships.
