Mavericks Battle Hard, But Celtics Grab Early Series Lead
Close First Half Gives Way to Celtics Domination
Dallas Mavericks 89, Boston Celtics 107
The Dallas Mavericks gave the Boston Celtics a run for their money in the first half of Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, leading 51-50 at halftime. However, the Celtics came out strong in the second half and never looked back, cruising to a 107-89 victory. Kristaps Porzingis, who was questionable to play in the game due to a calf injury, led the Mavericks with 20 points, including 18 in the first half. Luka Doncic added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Celtics' balanced attack. Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jaylen Brown added 21 points, and Marcus Smart chipped in with 14 points. The Celtics shot 50.6% from the field, including 11-of-27 from three-point range, while the Mavericks shot just 39.2% from the field and 6-of-23 from beyond the arc. The Mavericks will now have to regroup and try to avoid going down 0-2 in the series when they host Game 4 on Tuesday night. The Celtics, meanwhile, will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead and put the Mavericks on the brink of elimination.
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