The Boston Celtics are one win away from banner No. 18 after a dominant Game 3 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on the road. On the heels of a commanding performance from their starters and stifling defense late, the Celtics took a commanding 3-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals—a lead no team in league history has ever come back from.
Boston seized control of the game early and weathered a furious third-quarter rally from Dallas before pulling away in the final minutes. Let’s break down how the Celtics took the series by the throat.
Game / News Breakdown
Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals tipped off at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with the Mavericks hoping to climb back into the series after dropping both games in Boston. But the Celtics had other plans.
Boston came out sharp, building a 21-point lead in the third quarter thanks to a balanced offensive attack and suffocating perimeter defense. However, the Mavericks came storming back with a 22-2 run midway through the second half, cutting the Celtics’ advantage to just 3 points.
The turning point came with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter when Luka Dončić fouled out after a questionable blocking call. From there, the Celtics regained momentum and sealed the 106-99 win with efficient play and clutch shooting. They now lead the best-of-seven series, 3-0.
Key moments:
– Celtics won their 10th consecutive playoff game
– Dallas scored just 9 points in the final 8:30 of the game
– First time Boston has led 3-0 in the NBA Finals since 1986
Key Players & Performances
Boston’s supporting cast stepped up big-time in Game 3. While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way offensively, it was a collective team effort that delivered the win.
🔹 **Jaylen Brown**
– 30 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
– Scored in every way possible—drives, mid-range, and transition
– Made crucial plays on both ends in crunch time
🔹 **Jayson Tatum**
– 31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
– Finally looked comfortable from deep after early Finals struggles
– Hit key shots late to put the game out of reach
🔹 **Jrue Holiday**
– Only 9 points, but added 5 rebounds and 4 assists
– Critical defensive presence on Mavericks’ guards
🔹 **Derrick White**
– 16 points, including 4 timely three-pointers
– Added energy and spacing in key second-half moments
For Dallas, Luka Dončić posted a solid stat line (27 points, 6 assists), but his defense and foul trouble hurt the Mavericks late. Kyrie Irving had a bounce-back game with 35 points, including several tough buckets during Dallas’ third-quarter run. Nonetheless, the duo didn’t get much support from the rest of the roster.
Team Impact & Standings
This win not only puts Boston on the brink of a championship—it also underscores their dominance throughout these playoffs. The Celtics are undefeated on the road this postseason and riding a 10-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, Dallas finds itself in a historically impossible spot. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Finals. The Mavericks’ offense continues to stall late in games, and their defense hasn’t been able to keep up with Boston’s ball movement and shot creation.
Team takeaways:
– Celtics lead series 3-0
– Boston defense holding Dallas to under 100 points in two straight games
– Mavericks are now 3-6 in their last nine playoff games
What’s Next
Game 4 is set for Friday night in Dallas. The Celtics will look to close out the series and win their first NBA title since 2008. The pressure now squarely falls on the Mavericks, who must summon their best performance of the postseason just to extend things.
Things to watch for in Game 4:
– Can Luka Dončić stay out of foul trouble and lead a full 48-minute effort?
– Will the Mavericks’ role players step up to help Kyrie and Luka?
– Boston’s chance to tie the Lakers with 18 NBA championships
For the Celtics, staying aggressive while remaining poised will be key. For Dallas, it’s do-or-die.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics have answered every challenge thrown at them during this playoff run, and now they’re just one win away from basketball immortality. Game 4 could be the final chapter of the 2024 NBA Finals unless the Mavericks can find a way to turn the tide.
All eyes will be on Luka, Kyrie, and the Mavs to see if they can do what no team has ever done. But right now, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is within Boston’s reach.