Dallas Celtics

Celtics Take 3-0 Lead in NBA Finals

Boston holds off Dallas to win Game 3

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the way for Boston

The Boston Celtics held off a spirited comeback attempt from the Dallas Mavericks to win Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals 106-98 and take a 3-0 lead in the series.

The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 31 points, and Jaylen Brown, who added 30 points. The Mavericks were led by Luka Dončić, who had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The Celtics started the game strong, taking a 10-point lead in the first quarter. The Mavericks fought back in the second quarter, but the Celtics held onto a 54-52 lead at halftime.

The Mavericks continued to fight back in the third quarter, and tied the game at 71-71 with just over three minutes remaining in the quarter. The Celtics then went on a 9-2 run to end the quarter and take an 80-73 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks cut the lead to three points with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics held on for the win.

The Celtics now have a 3-0 lead in the series, and they will have a chance to close it out in Game 4 on Friday night in Dallas.

The Mavericks will need to find a way to slow down Tatum and Brown if they want to get back into the series. The Celtics have been able to get open looks for their two stars all series long, and they have made the Mavericks pay.