The Boston Celtics are just one victory away from their coveted 18th NBA championship. Despite missing star big man Kristaps Porzingis due to a left leg injury, the Celtics showcased resilience and tenacity in their Game 3 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. Let’s dive into the details of this pivotal game and what it means for the Celtics moving forward.
Celtics Overcome Early Deficit to Dominate
The Mavericks started strong, jumping to an early 13-point lead. Still, the Celtics quickly bounced back, reducing the deficit to just one point by the end of the first quarter. The crowd at the American Airlines Center fell silent as Boston found its groove. By halftime, the game was still tight, but the Celtics took control with a dominant third quarter, building a 15-point lead.
Things got tense in the final quarter as the Mavericks mounted a 22-2 run, cutting a 21-point Celtics lead down to one. The momentum shifted back to Boston’s favor when Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining. The Celtics regained their composure and sealed a thrilling 106-99 victory, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. This win ended Boston’s seven-game losing streak in Game 3’s while leading 2-0 and marked their 10th consecutive win overall.
The Dynamic Duo: Tatum and Brown Shine
Game 3 was a showcase of star power, with Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown dueling against Dallas’ Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Tatum, after underwhelming performances in the first two games, came out firing. He scored 20 first-half points and finished with 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Despite some questionable shot selections, Tatum’s clutch plays were crucial in securing the win.
Jaylen Brown was equally impressive, especially in the third quarter, where he scored 15 points, helping the Celtics extend their lead. Brown finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, delivering a stellar all-around performance. His blocking foul on Doncic in the final minutes was a game-changer.
On the Mavericks’ side, Kyrie Irving rebounded with 35 points, while Luka Doncic added 27 points before fouling out. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to overcome Boston’s dynamic duo.
Bench Players Step Up Big Time For the Boston Celtics
The Celtics’ bench played a critical role in this victory. Sam Hauser, who had struggled in the postseason, found his rhythm, hitting his first three 3-point attempts and making key defensive plays. He ended with a game-high +16 in just 14 minutes on the court.
Stepping in for Porzingis, Xavier Tillman provided a solid defense against Doncic and contributed crucial minutes off the bench. Tillman also hit his first 3-point attempt of the playoffs and finished with three points, four rebounds, and two blocks, earning a +9 rating in 11 minutes.
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Living and Thriving by the 3-Point Shot
The Celtics have relied on their 3-point shooting all season, and Game 3 was no different. Despite a rough start, Boston stuck to their game plan, attempting 27 3-pointers in the first half alone. By the end of the game, they had made 17 of 46 attempts (37%), significantly outpacing the Mavericks, who went 9-for-25 (36%) from deep.
Boston’s ability to connect from beyond the arc has been a cornerstone of their success. This game marked their 70th win of the season when shooting above 32% from 3-point range. If they maintain this shooting efficiency, a sweep could be on the horizon in Game 4.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
With a 3-0 series lead, the Boston Celtics are on the brink of history. No NBA franchise has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series, putting Boston in a prime position to secure the championship. Game 4 is set for Friday night in Dallas, and the Celtics are poised to complete the sweep and hoist Banner 18.
Stay updated for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this thrilling series. Can the Celtics finish the job? All signs point to a resounding yes.