The Winning Streak

The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 in a thrilling Celtics vs Mavericks Game 3 of the NBA Finals, taking a 3-0 series lead and moving within one win of their first championship since 2008.

The Celtics, driven by stellar performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, showcased their resilience and determination in a game filled with dramatic moments and intense competition.

Celtics vs Mavericks: Game 3 Highlights

The Celtics vs. Mavericks game began with a strong start from Dallas, who led 31-30 at the end of the first quarter. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic combined for 37 points in the first half, giving the Mavericks a narrow 51-50 lead at halftime.

However, Boston’s relentless offense took over in the third quarter, outscoring Dallas 35-19 to establish a commanding 85-70 lead going into the fourth.

Mavericks’ Frantic Fourth Quarter Comeback

Despite trailing by 21 points early in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks mounted a furious comeback. Dallas went on a 22-2 run, trimming Boston’s lead to a single point at 93-92. Luka Doncic, who fouled out with 4:12 left in the game, finished with 27 points, six assists, and six rebounds. His absence in the final minutes was a significant blow to the Mavericks’ chances.

Celtics’ Resilience Shines Through

The Celtics maintained their composure in the face of the Mavericks’ rally. Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and Jaylen Brown added 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Tatum’s and Brown’s contributions were crucial in securing Boston’s victory. Boston’s defense also played a key role, holding the Mavericks to just 99 points and ensuring the win despite scoring only 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Key Moments: Celtics vs Mavericks

• Doncic Fouls Out: Luka Doncic fouling out while trying to stop Jaylen Brown’s drive was a pivotal moment. The Mavericks’ coach, Jason Kidd, challenged the call but lost.
• Tatum and Brown’s Performance: The dynamic duo combined for 61 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. Tatum’s three-pointer and Brown’s one-handed dunk in the third quarter were highlights that energized the Celtics.
• Irving’s Best Game: Kyrie Irving had his best game of the Finals, scoring a team-high 35 points. However, it was not enough to carry the Mavericks to victory.

Celtics vs. Mavericks: Series Outlook

With this win, the Celtics are on the verge of their 18th NBA title, which would break their tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championships in NBA history. Boston’s road performance has been impeccable, going 7-0 in the playoffs. The Celtics’ dominance, especially in the third quarter of Game 3, has set the stage for a potential sweep if they win Game 4 on Friday.

The Mavericks face a daunting task, as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series. Despite the heroic efforts of Irving and Doncic, the Mavericks will need an extraordinary performance to extend the series and keep their championship hopes alive.

As the Celtics vs. Mavericks series continues, all eyes will be on Boston to see if they can clinch their first title in over a decade. Game 4 promises to be another intense battle, with the Mavericks fighting to stay alive and the Celtics aiming to make history.

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