Despite nearly losing a substantial lead in a tumultuous fourth quarter, the Boston Celtics edged closer to an 18th NBA championship record with a nail-biting 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals. The win in front of a packed crowd in Dallas puts Boston ahead with a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 series lead, with history on their side—no NBA team has ever rebounded from such a deficit.
Entering Game 3, the Mavericks had a glimmer of hope after learning that Celtics’ key player Kristaps Porzingis would miss the game due to a rare injury. His absence was felt early as Dallas exploited the Celtics’ interior defense, quickly taking a 22-9 lead. However, as has been characteristic of their postseason, Boston didn’t falter for long. They narrowed the gap to just one point by the end of the first quarter and managed to tie the game by halftime.
06/12/24: NBA FINALS ANALYSIS OF GAME 3 BOSTON CELTICS AND DALLAS MAVERICKS pic.twitter.com/LaQBk7KWPU
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The pivotal moment came in the third quarter when the dynamics shifted drastically. As Dallas stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving began to show signs of fatigue, the Celtics unleashed a series of 3-pointers, seizing control of the game and extending their lead substantially in the second half.
It seemed the game was well in hand for Boston with an 11:07 mark in the fourth quarter as they led 91-70. However, Dallas wasn’t ready to concede. The Mavericks mounted a vigorous 22-2 scoring run, slicing the deficit to just one point. The intense comeback was curtailed when Dončić, having an impactful game, fouled out with just over four minutes remaining—the first such ejection in his season and postseason career.
Luka Doncic fouled at when the Dallas Mavericks were making a furious comeback attempt in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. https://t.co/r5LRAdPuf6
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Without Dončić, who had accumulated 27 points, six assists, and six rebounds, Dallas struggled to maintain their momentum. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points, but even his performance couldn’t salvage the game for Dallas. The Celtics’ duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown stepped up, with both scoring over 30 points for the first time in the series. Tatum ended the game with 31 points in a dominant first-half display, adding six rebounds and five assists. Brown contributed significantly in the second half, ending with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Boston Celtics are one win away from capturing the 2024 NBA title following a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA finals. pic.twitter.com/ML2ZZyCMBX
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The game underscored the reliance of the Mavericks on their two-star system, which, in contrast, highlighted the depth and resilience of the Celtics’ team effort. Now, as the series heads into Game 4, scheduled for Friday night in Dallas, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to stay alive in the Finals, while the Celtics are poised to clinch a historic championship victory.
All your Game 3 questions from the Boston Celtics – Dallas Mavericks NBA finals media day answered https://t.co/VrXynrO2kF pic.twitter.com/ON19bXxeRT
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 13, 2024
The unfolding of Game 3 was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of basketball, showcasing strategic shifts, standout performances, and the sheer will to win. As the Celtics stand on the brink of history, the sports world watches eagerly to see if they can secure the title or if the Mavericks can defy odds and extend the series.
Key Points:
i. Strong Start for Mavericks: The Mavericks initially took advantage of Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis’ absence due to injury, quickly establishing a 22-9 lead by exploiting weaknesses in Boston’s interior defense.
ii. Celtics Comeback: Despite the early deficit, the Celtics regrouped and closed the gap to just one point by the end of the first quarter, eventually tying the game by halftime.
iii. Third Quarter Turnaround: The Celtics took control in the third quarter, capitalizing on fatigue from Mavericks stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving to build a significant lead with a barrage of 3-pointers.
iv. Dramatic Fourth Quarter: Dallas nearly completed a comeback from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to just one point, but the effort was halted when Dončić fouled out, marking his first ejection of the season.
v. Celtics’ Key Performers: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored over 30 points, crucial in maintaining Boston’s lead and moving them one win away from claiming their record 18th NBA championship.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
