The Celtics charged into game three, buoyed by their recent victories over the Mavericks. The opening quarter was a fierce battle, both teams vying fiercely for control. Down by 13 points with less than five minutes remaining, the Celtics faced a formidable challenge. However, a stunning 11-0 run towards the end of the quarter narrowed the gap to 31-30 as they entered the second.
Brown and White’s relentless play inside and outside the paint propelled the green and white to seize their first lead of the night. Tatum showcased his skills midway through the quarter, scoring five quick points in consecutive possessions. Yet, Kyrie took charge for the Mavericks, scoring four points in just 40 seconds to keep them in contention. The second quarter mirrored the first, with the Mavericks holding onto a slim one-point lead at halftime.
Photo Cred: Boston Globe
As the second half began, Brown, Holiday, and Tatum dominated with an array of shots, accumulating 21 points in the first half of the period. Their relentless offense pushed them to a 10-point lead with six minutes remaining. The momentum carried through, resulting in a commanding 15-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Brown and White ignited the fourth quarter with two crucial three-pointers. However, the Mavericks launched a furious 12-0 run, swiftly followed by a 10-0 burst, bringing the score to a tense 93-92. In the game’s closing moments, both teams exchanged successful possessions, but the Mavericks couldn’t bridge the gap. The contest ended with a 106-99 victory for the Celtics, marking their third triumph over the Mavericks in the finals.
