Celtics survive Mavericks comeback to take 3-0 lead

In a gripping Game 3 showdown, the Boston Celtics weathered a furious late rally by the Dallas Mavericks to secure a 106-99 victory on Wednesday night, moving within reach of their first NBA championship since 2008.

Jayson Tatum starred for the Celtics, delivering 31 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing a dominant second-half performance with 24 points.

The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic’s 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists, faced a critical setback when Doncic fouled out with over four minutes remaining in the game. Kyrie Irving, despite scoring 35 points for Dallas, struggled along with Doncic, combining for a 24-for-55 shooting performance.

Boston’s victory places them on the cusp of their 18th championship in franchise history, potentially crowning them the most decorated team in NBA history with a win in Game 4 on Friday.

The pivotal moments unfolded in the third quarter when the Celtics capitalized on tiring performances from Doncic and Irving, extending their lead with a barrage of timely three-pointers. However, the Mavericks clawed back with a remarkable 20-2 run over nearly eight minutes, slicing Boston’s lead to just one point. Doncic’s departure due to fouls proved decisive, halting Dallas’s spirited comeback attempt.

This marked Doncic’s first disqualification of the season and in his postseason career, underscoring the intensity of the matchup heading into Game 4, slated for Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Dallas, broadcast on ABC.