Boston Celtics Edge Closer to NBA History with Crucial Game 3 Victory Over Mavericks
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
As the final whistle blew in a nerve-racking showdown, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown embraced in a poignant moment of triumph and relief. This wasn’t just any game; it was a pivotal NBA Finals clash that could have witnessed one of the most dramatic collapses since the league began documenting such stats in 1997. Instead, it became a night where Boston’s dynamic duo shone brightly, inching the Celtics closer to the illustrious goal of hoisting their 18th championship banner—a feat that would surpass the storied history of their archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a game that saw the Celtics nearly squander a 21-point lead with just 11 minutes on the clock, Tatum delivered a stellar 31-point performance while Brown complemented perfectly with 30 points of his own. Their efforts helped Boston stave off a ferocious comeback attempt by the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 106-99 victory to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The resilience of the Celtics was on full display, extending their playoff win streak to an unprecedented 10 games and maintaining a perfect road record this postseason at 7-0. This win sets them up for a potential series clincher in Dallas, where they aim to make history by breaking the championship tie with the Lakers.
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Boston’s achievement is even more commendable considering they’ve had to navigate the playoffs largely without Kristaps Porzingis. The towering Latvian was sidelined before the game due to a rare tendon injury, leaving his availability for the remainder of the series in serious doubt. Yet, the depth of the Celtics roster shone through, proving resilient in the face of adversity.
As the Mavericks’ star, Luka Doncic, exited the game with his sixth foul, and Kyrie Irving’s 35 points nearly brought Dallas back from the brink, it was Tatum, Brown, and a clutch performance from Derrick White—who scored 16 points—that ultimately sealed the win for Boston. These critical moments highlight not only the skills but the mental fortitude of this Celtics squad, which stands on the verge of cementing its place among the giants of the game.
The historical significance is palpable: Boston has only once before led 3-0 in the NBA Finals, culminating in a sweep over the Lakers back in 1959. As Dallas faces the daunting task of attempting to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in NBA playoff history, rookie center Dereck Lively II’s words resonate with defiant hope: “We just got to make history. We got to go out there and play like our lives are on the line." The stage is set for what could either be a historic turnaround or a continuation of Boston’s storied legacy.
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