In a high-stakes showdown on Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics took a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals with a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This win puts them on the cusp of securing their record-breaking 18th championship, potentially surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in NBA history.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were pivotal in the Celtics’ success, scoring 31 and 30 points, respectively. Brown added eight rebounds and eight assists to his stat line, highlighting his all-around contribution. This victory marked the Celtics’ 10th consecutive playoff win, extending their franchise record, and maintained their perfect 7-0 road record this postseason.
Despite the win, Tatum emphasized that the team is not taking anything for granted. “We’ve got to keep fighting, we can’t relax … ‘However long it takes’, that’s our motto,” Tatum said post-game, highlighting the Celtics’ focused and determined mindset.
The game, however, was far from straightforward. Boston seemed to be cruising with a 91-70 lead after a 20-5 run early in the fourth quarter. Yet, the Mavericks mounted a dramatic comeback, sparked by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Dallas responded with a 22-2 run, closing the gap to just one point. Dončić, who has been a standout throughout the playoffs, fouled out with 4:12 remaining, leaving Irving to lead the charge. Irving scored 35 points, including a crucial jumper that brought the Mavericks within one.
In the final moments, it was Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White who stepped up to secure the win for Boston. White, who scored 16 points, acknowledged the resilience of the Mavericks. “Credit to them, they never gave up,” White said. “Obviously our execution, especially in that stretch, needs to be a lot better … We’ve got to be better and learn from it.”
This near-collapse serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Finals. The Mavericks, drawing inspiration from their 2011 championship run where they overcame significant deficits, almost mirrored that historic comeback. However, the Celtics’ ability to regroup and execute in crunch time highlights their championship pedigree.
The Celtics now have a golden opportunity to close out the series and clinch the title in Game 4, set to take place on Friday in Dallas. A win would not only secure the championship but also cement their place in NBA history with an 18th title. For Dallas, the challenge is monumental, but not insurmountable, as they seek to stave off elimination and extend the series.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Tatum and Brown, whose leadership and performance have been instrumental in Boston’s success. Their ability to handle pressure and deliver in critical moments will be crucial as they aim to capture the championship.
In what has been a thrilling and hard-fought Finals, the Celtics are now on the brink of making history. The stage is set for a potentially historic Game 4, with Boston looking to seal the deal and Dallas fighting to keep their hopes alive.
