The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 106-99, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV to take a 3-0 series lead. The Mavericks mounted a fourth quarter comeback as they trailed by 21 points (91-70) at the 10:21 mark of the fourth quarter to make it a 93-92 game with 3:37 to go. Boston held off despite being outscored 29-21 in the final quarter.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while Jaylen Brown added 30 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Derrick White added 35 points and 3 rebounds for Boston. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points and 2 assists (4-6 3PT) while Luka Doncic added 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists prior to fouling out. Dereck Lively II totaled 11 points (5-6 FG) and 13 rebounds in the win.
Game 4 will take place in Dallas on Friday, June 14 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Game Notes
• This is just the second time a Boston Celtics duo have scored 30+ PTS in a Finals game. Jaylen Brown (30 PTS) and Jayson Tatum (31 PTS) join John Havlicek and Bailey Howell:
o May 2, 1968: BOS at LAL – John Havlicek (40 PTS) and Bailey Howell (30 PTS).
o It’s just the 40th time a duo has had 30+ PTS each in a NBA Finals game.
• With the Game 3 victory, Boston has now extended their postseason franchise-best win streak to 10 consecutive games. They are just the ninth team to win 10 or more consecutive games in a single postseason.
• The two most recent teams to reach this mark were the Golden State Warriors (15 straight) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (10 straight) in the 2017 Playoffs.
• Four of the previous eight teams won the NBA Finals that year:
o 2017 Golden State Warriors 15 – (Won Finals)
o 1999 San Antonio Spurs 12 – (Won Finals)
o 2001 Los Angeles Lakers 11 – (Won Finals)
o 1989 Los Angeles Lakers 11 – (Lost Finals)
o 2017 Cleveland Cavaliers 10 – (Lost Finals)
o 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers 10 – (Won Finals)
o 2012 San Antonio Spurs 10 – (Lost WCF)
o 2003 New Jersey Nets 10 – (Lost Finals)
o 2024 Boston Celtics 10 – (Up 3-0 in Finals)
• The Celtics also move to 7-0 on the road during this year’s playoffs.
@mrchow7517
June 13, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Untimely timeout by kidd 5m 25s in 4th killed the momentum took out the home crowd and allowed the celtics to regain composure and make shots. Before the timeout it was 20 – 2 run by mavs
@gwapoko4397
June 14, 2024 at 12:03 am
Omg Jason gonna have rings!
@LorenzRoyo
June 14, 2024 at 12:10 am
Wolves sana ilaban sa Boston Wala naman kwenta Dallas ehh
@PinHeadThePopeOfHell
June 14, 2024 at 12:16 am
Beatin em up ⛹🏽♂️🍀🏆🧹
@holopoint-li9br
June 14, 2024 at 12:20 am
They lucky luka fouled out that was a dallas dub ts so lame refs be cappin
@erjohnyabut5968
June 14, 2024 at 12:32 am
Congrats Celtics 2023-24 nba champions 🎉
@sagatuppercut2960
June 14, 2024 at 12:44 am
I wonder how this game would’ve turned out if Luka didn’t make that last foul.
@headTask
June 14, 2024 at 1:02 am
lol, Nowitzki elbowing Nash to show some spirit.
@JohnnyStreegan
June 14, 2024 at 1:12 am
I know Luka can score. But I knew Luka has no defense 🤣
@smvballer6
June 14, 2024 at 1:15 am
Mavs would have won if Luka didn’t foul out. I guarantee u
@ilovekaiyko
June 14, 2024 at 4:22 am
he shouldve been smarter. he knows that.
@akaMeleeMan
June 14, 2024 at 1:47 am
Celtics ain’t playing this time around 😂😂😂 😂 looks like they took last year personally
@jbugz134
June 14, 2024 at 2:00 am
Bout time gahhhlee . Cs should’ve been had a chip . Hope they dont choke 😂
@renzoenzo7535
June 14, 2024 at 2:28 am
2024 Celtics Team is built different because of The Championship Experience of Jrue, White, JT, JB, Al
Even thought their 3rd Best Player KP is not playing
@pagpapaitim
June 14, 2024 at 2:40 am
It’s over
@josephj1973
June 14, 2024 at 2:47 am
Both NBA and NHL Finals looking like a sweep.
@user-cb4hl7wp5b
June 14, 2024 at 3:04 am
Bro I think Mavericks can win the game 5,6 and 7!
@PieounXimo
June 14, 2024 at 3:54 am
Al Horford is going to get a crazy ring.
@NomutMaiw
June 14, 2024 at 4:01 am
It’s nice to witness Pat Mahomes fall short against the Boston club.
@ronaldcanete4203
June 14, 2024 at 4:08 am
Lebron is very happy ..if dallas will be sweep by boston because erving rejected to be part of lakers😂😂
@RGDGaming101
June 14, 2024 at 4:13 am
Lucky ass Boston Celtics, should be bounced in the 1st round if Jimmy Butler was around
@riyadazad7220
June 14, 2024 at 4:39 am
Cry 😢 😂🫵🏼
@user-ex9qx4rp9e
June 14, 2024 at 4:21 am
Just ladt
@DezmondScott
June 14, 2024 at 4:24 am
This sport is lame one of the worst for bein rigged and terrible goofie refs for sure
@ilovekaiyko
June 14, 2024 at 4:24 am
goofie refs😂
@matthewroberts987
June 14, 2024 at 4:50 am
Refs stole the series.
@xbecome7946
June 14, 2024 at 5:08 am
Will be Boston’s only championship for the next 50 years
@emmanmiclat7839
June 14, 2024 at 5:43 am
Uncle Steve and Uncle Dirk in d haws at 07:04