The Boston Celtics survived a 22-2 fourth-quarter run by the Dallas Mavericks to win Game 3 of the NBA Finals, 106-99, and take a 3-0 series lead.
Jaylen Brown hit a shot with about a minute left in the game and the Celtics made some key defensive stops on Kyrie Irving to crush Dallas' hopes of a magnificent comeback to get back into the series.
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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball finals, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutiérrez)
Brown only scored 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 of 26 from the field and 4 of 13 from beyond the arc.
The Mavericks trailed by 21 points early in the fourth quarter and got back within two points. An offensive foul by PJ Washington on a backcourt screen and a 3-pointer by Derrick White helped hinder Dallas' momentum.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Luka Doncic fouled out for the first time in the playoffs of his career. He was out for the final four minutes and finished with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Irving put in a tremendous effort in defeat. He scored 35 points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out two assists. He was 13 of 28 and played 45 minutes.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball finals, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutiérrez)
Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a layup while being defended by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter of game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Dallas was 9 of 25 from 3-point range compared to Boston's 17 of 46.
Boston played without Kristaps Porzingis, who was a game-time decision after suffering a rare foot injury in Game 2. Hours before the game it was determined that he would not try.
The Celtics are now one win away from adding another NBA championship to the trophy case. They have 17 NBA championships.
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Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night in Dallas.
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