First Quarter Comeback
In the 2023-24 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3, held at the American Airlines Center on June 13th. Despite trailing by double digits in the first quarter, the Celtics relied on their star duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 61 points. This effort led them to a 106-99 victory, giving Boston a 3-0 series lead. Game 4 is set for June 14th at the same venue.
Early Mavericks Surge
The Mavericks started strong with a 9-2 run. Although Celtics’ Al Horford briefly halted the momentum with a three-pointer, subsequent missed opportunities allowed the Mavericks to extend their lead with contributions from Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Luka Doncic, and Dereck Lively II.
Celtics’ First Quarter Response
Taking advantage of Doncic’s rest period, the Celtics launched an 11-0 run, with Tatum and Brown leading the charge and Sam Hauser hitting a crucial three-pointer. This run brought Boston back within one point, ending the first quarter trailing 31-30.
Second Quarter Battle
Two minutes into the second quarter, a Brown layup gave the Celtics their first lead. Doncic’s attempts to draw fouls were unsuccessful, while the Celtics’ diverse scoring attempts aimed to widen the gap. However, Irving’s consecutive three-pointers helped the Mavericks regain the lead. The teams traded scores, and Dallas held a slim 51-50 lead at halftime.
Third Quarter Dominance
The Celtics started the third quarter strong, hitting six consecutive shots, including three-pointers from Jrue Holiday and Tatum, resulting in a 16-8 run. Brown then ignited his scoring spree, supported by bench players like Xavier Tillman Sr. and Hauser. With the Mavericks’ offense stalling, Boston extended their lead to double digits, ending the quarter up 85-70.
Mavericks’ Fourth Quarter Rally
Brown and Derrick White opened the fourth quarter with three-pointers, prompting an effective Mavericks timeout. Contributions from P.J. Washington Jr., Doncic, Lively II, and Josh Green sparked a 12-0 run, bringing Dallas back into contention. A crucial Doncic assist to Washington Jr. and Irving’s free throws tightened the game. However, Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining, impacting Dallas’ momentum.
Celtics Hold On for Victory
In the final minutes, the Mavericks relied on Irving’s playmaking to stay close. However, missed three-pointers by Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr., combined with the Celtics capitalizing on free throw opportunities, sealed Boston’s 106-99 victory. The win puts the Celtics in a commanding position, just one game away from clinching the championship. (Jilifree100)