The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, extending their lead to 3-0 in the series. The Celtics are now just one win away from securing their 18th NBA title.
The Celtics held a commanding 21-point lead (91-70) in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks launched a 22-2 run, narrowing the gap to one point (93-92) with 3:31 left, following a jumper by Kyrie Irving. However, this was the closest Dallas came to taking the lead as their star player, Luka Doncic, fouled out with just over four minutes remaining.
Defensive lapses by Dallas allowed the Celtics to score seven points in 74 seconds, solidifying Boston’s control. The Mavericks’ strategy of having Dereck Lively II switch on screen plays cost them their best rim protection, while chaotic defensive rotations left Boston’s shooters open beyond the arc.
In the final moments, Derrick White’s three-pointer, Jaylen Brown’s putback, and Jayson Tatum’s dunk extinguished the Mavericks’ hopes of a comeback. Irving, P.J. Washington, and Tim Hardaway Jr. missed crucial three-pointers, marking the end of Dallas’s rally.
Tatum and Brown led the Celtics with 31 and 30 points, respectively. Brown scored 24 points in the second half, including 15 in the third quarter when the Celtics outscored the Mavericks 35-19. Tatum contributed 20 points in the first half, keeping Boston close with a one-point deficit (51-50) at halftime.
Although only White reached double-digit points among the other Celtics, Boston’s offensive system, featuring multiple slashers creating opportunities through dribble penetrations, proved effective against the Mavericks’ defense. Dallas struggled to contain the Celtics, with Doncic, Irving, and Hardaway Jr. serving as defensive weak points.
Irving’s game-high 35 points, including four three-pointers, were not enough to save the Mavericks. In Doncic’s absence, Boston focused their defensive efforts on Irving, limiting his impact in the final minutes.
Game 4 will take place at the American Airlines Center on Friday. Historically, no team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series, putting the Mavericks in a precarious position.
