Irving Shines in Vain as Mavericks Fall Short
In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks hosted the Boston Celtics, hoping to turn the tide in their favor. Kyrie Irving delivered a stellar performance, scoring 35 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the second quarter. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks could not overcome the absence of Luka Doncic in the final quarter, ultimately losing 99-106 and falling into a 0-3 hole in the series.
Historical Odds Against Mavericks
The NBA playoffs operate on a best-of-seven format, and no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit. With this victory, the Celtics are on the brink of clinching their 18th championship in franchise history.
Celtics Overcome Early Deficit
The Celtics, who won the first two games at home, were missing Kristaps Porzingis due to a leg injury. Boston struggled initially, trailing 12-25 in the first quarter. However, under the leadership of Jayson Tatum, they responded with a 13-2 run, closing the first quarter with a narrow 30-31 deficit.
Intense Second Quarter
The second quarter saw Irving firing on all cylinders, sinking three consecutive three-pointers. The Celtics countered with Sam Hauser and Al Horford hitting from beyond the arc, keeping the game close. At halftime, the Mavericks held a slim 51-50 lead.
Celtics Surge Ahead in the Third Quarter
Jaylen Brown came alive in the third quarter, scoring 15 points and leading the Celtics to a 35-19 quarter advantage. Heading into the final quarter, Boston led 85-70. Derrick White’s three-pointer early in the fourth expanded their lead to 91-70.
Mavericks’ Late Rally Falls Short
Trailing by 21 points, the Mavericks mounted a comeback with P.J. Washington and Josh Green hitting crucial three-pointers, sparking a 10-0 run. Washington’s three-pointer cut the deficit to 87-93. Irving’s free throws further narrowed the gap to 3 points, but Luka Doncic’s sixth foul and subsequent ejection with 4:12 left proved costly.
Celtics Hold On for the Win
Despite Irving’s best efforts, including a mid-range jumper that cut the lead to 1 point, the Celtics responded swiftly. Brown’s basket, followed by a White three-pointer, put Boston back in control. Dereck Lively II made two key baskets to keep the Mavericks close at 98-100, but Brown and White sealed the game for the Celtics.
Key Performances
- Kyrie Irving (Mavericks): 35 points
- Luka Doncic (Mavericks): 27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): 31 points
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics): 30 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
The Celtics’ victory positions them just one win away from securing the championship, while the Mavericks face the daunting task of attempting an unprecedented comeback.(Superace88)