Boston Celtics Dominate NBA Finals, Take Commanding 3-0 Lead

Celtics Hold Off Mavericks in Game 3

Triumph in Dallas Puts Boston on Verge of Championship

The Boston Celtics took a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 in Game 3 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 19 points and Marcus Smart chipped in with 18. Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with 27 points, followed by Spencer Dinwiddie's 21.

The Celtics held a slim lead throughout the game but pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Boston hit a number of clutch shots down the stretch, including a three-pointer by Smart with 3:08 remaining to give the Celtics a 96-93 lead.

The Mavericks made a late push, but the Celtics were able to hold on for the win. Derrick White had a key chasedown block on Dinwiddie with 1:24 remaining that helped seal the victory.

The Celtics now have a chance to close out the series in Game 4 on Friday night in Dallas. A win would give Boston its 18th NBA championship, tying them with the Lakers for the most all-time.