The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding lead 3-0 in the 2024 NBA Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 . This victory puts them a single win away from their 18th championship title, a feat last achieved in 2007-08.

Boston's Tenacious Defense and Balanced Offense Prove Too Much

Despite the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics displayed remarkable resilience. Jayson Tatum (31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jaylen Brown (30 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) were offensive powerhouses, combining for a staggering 61 points. Their scoring prowess, coupled with a stifling defense, proved to be a formidable obstacle for the Mavericks.

A Late Scare, But Boston Holds Firm

The Mavericks, fueled by a desperate need to avoid falling further behind, staged a dramatic comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. A 22-2 surge brought them within striking distance, but clutch plays by Derrick White and a crucial offensive foul call on P.J. Washington ultimately thwarted their momentum. While Luka Doncic (27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) put up a valiant effort, his foul out with four minutes remaining proved detrimental to Dallas' hopes. Kyrie Irving emerged as the game's leading scorer with 35 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Boston's balanced attack and disciplined defense.

A Record-Setting Streak and History in the Making

This win marks Boston's 10th consecutive playoff victory, etching a new franchise record. Additionally, their undefeated 7-0 road record this postseason is a testament to their adaptability and grit. With a 3-0 lead, the Celtics are on the cusp of history. No team in NBA history has ever come back from such a deficit in the Finals, making Game 4, back in Dallas' American Airlines Center on Friday, a do-or-die situation for the Mavericks.

Can Dallas Stave Off Elimination?

While the odds are heavily stacked against them, the Mavericks will undoubtedly come out swinging in Game 4. Whether they can muster the necessary resilience and overcome the mental hurdle of a 3-0 deficit remains to be seen. One thing's for certain: the Celtics are within touching distance of NBA glory, and they won't relinquish their advantage easily.