Emre Can, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Germany squad, Euro 2024
In a tightly contested Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics managed to fend off a spirited comeback by the Dallas Mavericks, securing a crucial 106-99 victory on Wednesday night.
The Celtics found themselves in a precarious position late in the fourth quarter as the Mavericks mounted an impressive 20-2 run, narrowing the gap to just one point with 3:37 remaining. However, Boston responded emphatically, outscoring Dallas 13-7 down the stretch to seal the win.
Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics with a game-high 31 points, along with six rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Brown contributed significantly with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing a dominant performance, particularly in the second half where he scored 24 of his points.
On the Mavericks side, Luka Doncic, despite fouling out with over four minutes left, managed to tally 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Kyrie Irving led Dallas in scoring with 35 points, but both stars struggled from the field, shooting a combined 24-for-55.
The victory puts the Celtics on the brink of their first NBA championship since 2008 and their 18th overall, potentially solidifying their status as the league's most decorated franchise with a win in Game 4.
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Dallas and will be broadcasted on ABC.
In the third quarter, the Mavericks faced a pivotal moment as fatigue set in for their star duo of Doncic and Irving. Boston capitalized on their weariness, unleashing a barrage of 3-pointers to establish a commanding lead in the second half.
Despite the adversity, Dallas mounted an impressive 22-2 run over nearly eight minutes, cutting the deficit to just one point. However, their momentum was halted when Doncic fouled out for the first time all season and in his postseason career, marking a critical turning point in the game.
