The Boston Celtics survived a 22-2 Dallas Mavericks run in the fourth quarter to win Game 3 of the NBA Finals, 106-99, and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Jaylen Brown hit a jumper with about one minute left in the game and the Celtics got a few key defensive stops on Kyrie Irving to crush Dallas’ hopes of a magnificent comeback to get back into the series.
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Brown only had six points in the first half and finished the game with 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists. He was 11-for-26 from the field and 4-for-13 from beyond the arc.
The Mavericks were down 21 early in the fourth quarter and climbed back to within two points. A P.J. Washington offensive foul on a screen in the backcourt and a clutch Derrick White 3-pointer helped stymie the momentum Dallas had.
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Luka Doncic fouled out for the first time in the playoffs in his career. He was out for about the last four minutes and finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Irving had a tremendous effort in the loss. He scored 35 points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out two assists. He was 13-of-28 and played 45 minutes.
Dallas was 9-of-25 from the 3-point line compared to Boston’s 17-of-46.
Boston played without Kristaps Porzingis, who was a gametime decision after suffering a rare foot injury in Game 2. It was determined hours before the game he wasn’t going to give it a go.
The Celtics are now one win away from adding another NBA championship to the trophy case. They have 17 NBA championships.
Game 4 is set for Friday night in Dallas.
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