DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Mavericks (0-3) hosted the Boston Celtics (3-0) for game three of the NBA Finals. The Celtics took game three 106-99 on Wednesday night. The Celtics PR announced prior to the game that Kristaps Porzingas was not going to be available for game three due to a foot injury. This really helped Dallas take control in the paint. This came true, at the half Dallas had outrebounded Boston 30-21 and 30 points in the paint compared to the Celtics 16.
The entire first half was neck and neck, Dallas took the first quarter 31-30. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving had most of the buckets in the first half for Dallas, they combined for 38 points, the rest of the team contributed 16.
The Mavs took a one point lead entering the half 51-50.
Both teams shot low 80 percent from the floor and both teams shot 33 percent from beyond the arc.
Dallas had its largest lead in the first half with a 13 point lead in the first quarter.
Jayson Tatum had 20 points in the first half for the Celtics. The next closest player was Jaylen Brown with eight.
Celtics outscored Dallas in the third 35-19 in the third quarter to give the Celtics a substantial lead. They were up 21 points in the beginning of the fourth quarter.
The Mavs didn’t give up, they brought the game within 11 points midway through the fourth. Dallas ended up going on a 20-2 run and coming within three with 4 minutes left. Just when you thought there was light at the end of the tunnel, Doncic fouled out with four minutes left to go in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics ended up pulling away with this win to take a 3-0 lead in the series. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 61 points. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 62 points before Doncic fouled out.
Irving bounced back after a couple rough games in Boston he let the Mavs with 35 points, three rebounds and two assists. Doncic had 27 points, six rebounds and six assists.
We spoke to Doncic following the game and he stated, “It’s not over til it’s over, so we’ve just got to believe…We got to stay together. We win together, we lose together.” Doncic stated.
The Celtics will be back in American Airlines Center on Friday for Game four and they will look to close out. Tip off is at 7:30 PM.
