The Boston Celtics are one win away from winning their 18th championship in National Basketball Association history. On Wednesday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-99.
The Celtics won despite the fact that only three of their players reached double digits in scoring. Small forward Jayson Tatum of St. Louis, Missouri had 31 points, shooting guard Jaylen Brown of Marietta, Georgia had 30 points, and point guard Derrick White of Parker, Colorado had 16 points.
Boston found a way to win without power forward Kristaps Porzingis of Liepaja, Latvia. He did not play because of a leg injury.
There were several different swings during game three. Dallas had momentum early as they took a 22-9 lead over the first six minutes and 12 seconds worth of action. Then the Celtics went on a 21-9 run of their own to pull within a single point, as Dallas led Boston 31-30 after the first 12 minutes.
The second quarter was as even as you can possibly get. Both teams scored 20 points with Dallas leading 51-50 after 24 minutes.
In the third quarter, the Celtics dominated play as they outscored the Mavericks 35-19. What was quite surprising was the fact Boston went on a 14-5 run in the last three minutes and 50 seconds of the quarter with Tatum on the bench. With 12 minutes left, the Celtics had an 85-70 lead.
Then in the fourth quarter, the Celtics took a commanding 91-70 lead after two three-pointers from Brown and White. Then we saw a huge Dallas comeback as they went on a 21-2 run themselves to pull within a single point. With three minutes and 37 seconds left, American Airlines Center was rocking as it was 93-92 Boston.
However, the Mavericks could not get over the hump late in the contest when it mattered most. A big turning point came right before the Mavericks pulled within a point as Luka Doncic fouled out. The Celtics outscored the Mavericks 13-7 at the end of the game to win by seven. The Celtics were the best team in the NBA regular season, and now are one win away from being the best team in the 2024 postseason. Game four is Friday.
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