5 Takeaways as Celtics Hold Off Mavericks in Game 3

Boston's Star Duo Comes Up Big to Help Make Up for Kristaps Porzingis

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. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 58 points to lead the Celtics, while Kristaps Porzingis had a game-high 30 points for the Mavericks.

Here are five takeaways from the game:

1. The Celtics' star duo is unstoppable. Tatum and Brown were simply too much for the Mavericks to handle. They combined to shoot 20-of-36 from the field and 11-of-21 from three-point range.
2. The Mavericks need more from Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was the only Maverick to score more than 20 points, but he also had seven turnovers. He needs to be more efficient if the Mavericks are going to have any chance of competing in this series.
3. The Celtics' defense is suffocating. The Celtics held the Mavericks to just 39% shooting from the field and 26% from three-point range. They also forced 15 turnovers.
4. The Mavericks are running out of time. The Celtics are now one win away from the NBA title. The Mavericks need to win Game 4 on their home court if they want to have any chance of extending the series.
5. This series is far from over. The Mavericks have shown that they can compete with the Celtics, even on the road. They will need to play their best game of the series in Game 4 if they want to have any chance of winning.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday, June 8th in Dallas.