Celtics Surge in Game 3, Mavericks Facing Elimination
Depth Proves Key as Celtics Ground Mavericks
Tatum Leads Celtics with 15-of-40 from Deep
The Dallas Mavericks led the Boston Celtics 51-50 at halftime of Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, but the Celtics turned up the heat in the second half, turning a 63-61 lead midway through the third quarter into a 69-63 edge. The Celtics, with 15-of-40 from deep, have almost made as many as the Mavericks have missed 18 with eight minutes left. The Celtics' depth has proven to be too much for Dallas, with the Luka-Kyrie duo struggling and the Celtics grinding the Mavs bigs. Jayson Tatum led the way with 35 points, shooting 13-of-22 from the floor. Jaylen Brown added 21 points and three steals, while Derrick White contributed 18 points and three steals. The Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis, back from a calf injury, dropped 20 points, including 18 in the first half. However, Luka Doncic struggled, shooting 12-of-30 from the floor and finishing with 30 points. "I liked the way we handled their run," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "We got the ball moving and took advantage of our depth." The Celtics now lead the series 3-0, with Game 4 set for Friday night in Dallas. The Mavericks will need to find a way to stop the Celtics' hot shooting and find more consistency from Doncic if they want to avoid elimination.
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