The Boston Celtics withstood a 22-2 fourth quarter run by the Dallas Mavericks to win Game 3 of the NBA Finals 106-99 and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Jaylen Brown made a jump shot with about a minute left in the game and the Celtics made several key defensive stops against Kyrie Irving, ending any hopes that Dallas could mount a stunning comeback and get back into the series.
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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Finals, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Brown scored just six points in the first half, but finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists while making 11-of-26 field goals and 4-of-13 3-pointers.
The Mavericks trailed by 21 early in the fourth quarter and pulled within two. After P.J. Washington drew an offensive foul on a backcourt screen, Derrick White hit a decisive 3-pointer to halt Dallas’ momentum.
Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum (No. 0) celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Stacey Revere/Getty Images)
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Luka Doncic fouled out in a playoff game for the first time in his career. He sat out the final four minutes of the game, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Irving had a great game despite the loss, finishing with 35 points, three rebounds and two assists while making 13 of 28 shots and playing 45 minutes.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Finals against the Boston Celtics, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Kyrie Irving (#11) of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a layup while being guarded by Derrick White (#9) of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on June 12, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Dallas made 9 of 25 from the 3-point line while Boston was 17 of 46.
Boston played without Kristaps Porzingis, who was unavailable at the start of the game due to a rare foot injury he suffered in Game 2. It was determined he would not play just hours before the game.
The Celtics are one win away from adding another title to their NBA championship trophy case. They have won 17 NBA championships.
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Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night in Dallas.
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