The global panic over Jayson Tatum lasted for three days, feeling as ominous as saying “Candyman” five times in front of a mirror in Dallas.
Tatum listened to the conversation and gave a strong response in Game 3, helping Jaylen Brown to fend off the home team. The Celtics pair scored a total of 61 points in a 106-99 victory against the Mavericks, despite the absence of Kristaps Porzingis.
Kyrie Irving’s impressive 35-point game was overshadowed by a disappointing performance after Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 left in the game, ruining what could have been a redeeming night for him.
Boston holds a strong 3-0 series advantage in the NBA Finals provided by YouTube TV heading into Friday’s possible elimination game at American Airlines Center. Never in the history of the NBA has a team come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series.
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
The fast brown fox leaped over the inactive dog. Jaylen Brown is a player for the Boston Celtics.
Previous placement: Third place
Statistics for the NBA Finals: averaging 24.3 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, and 5.7 assists per game.
Tatum was the top scorer for Boston, while Brown has shown greater consistency. In the third quarter, he scored the most points in the game with 15, teaming up with Tatum to outscore the Mavs 22-19, creating a 15-point lead before fouling out Doncic in a crucial moment of the game. As always, Brown remained cool under pressure at the end.
He was too exhausted to continue working, so he decided to take a break. Jayson Tatum is a player for the Boston Celtics.
Previous position: Fourth place
Statistics for the NBA Finals: Average of 21.7 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, and 7.3 assists per game.
Tatum got off to a quick start by scoring 13 points in the opening quarter, ultimately tying Irving’s game-high of 20 points in the first half. Tatum held Boston in the game during that time, with Irving and Doncic scoring 37 points together before Brown also started contributing in the second half. Tatum happily walked to the visitors’ locker room.
Kyrie Irving is currently a player for the Dallas Mavericks.
Previous position: Number 5
Statistics for the NBA Finals: 21 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 3.3 assists per game.
Irving scored an average of 26.5 points per game in the first round, 15.7 points per game in the conference semifinals, and 27 points per game in the West Finals. Yet, his scoring output was only 14 points in the first two games with a shooting percentage of 35.1%, and he missed all eight of his attempted 3-point shots. In the third game, Irving made four out of five shots from long distance in just the first half, becoming the first Maverick other than Doncic to score more than one 3-pointer in this series.
Jaylen Brown HOLDS TOP SPOT on our Finals MVP ladder, while Jayson Tatum jumps into 2nd place 📈 pic.twitter.com/GWd3WFlKZa
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 13, 2024
 Jrue Holiday, a player for the Boston Celtics
Previous position: First place
Statistics from the NBA Finals include an average of 15.7 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, and 4.3 assists per game.
Derrick White should be recognized for his Game 3 showing with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. However, Holiday remains in this position due to his consistency, versatility, and hard work in this series. The scoring statistics may not stand out, but the effort on the court definitely does. The experienced player will not completely ignore his defensive responsibilities, but he will definitely make it challenging for them.
  Luka Doncic is a player for the Dallas Mavericks.
Previous position: Second place
NBA Finals statistics: averaging 29.7 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists per game.
A strong performance in the first half resulted in Doncic fouling out for the third time in his career, marking his first playoff ejection. This disqualification was poorly timed as Dallas was trailing by 3 with 4:12 remaining. Mavs coach Jason Kidd has repeatedly criticized Doncic for allowing disputes with referees to affect his performance in games.
Summary of Game 3: Celtics Resist Mavericks’ Late Comeback Attempt.
During Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics successfully held off a strong Dallas Mavericks comeback, securing a 106-99 victory to go up 3-0 in the series. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were at the forefront for Boston, tallying a total of 61 points together.
Even with Kyrie Irving scoring the most points in the game at 35 and Luka Doncic playing well, the Mavericks lost, especially when Doncic was disqualified in the important last minutes.
Tatum established the pace from the start by scoring 13 points in the first quarter and ensuring the Celtics stayed in contention. Throughout the Finals, Brown, who has been more reliable, contributed significantly in the third quarter by scoring 15 points and aiding Boston in establishing a crucial lead. The duo’s contribution highlighted their significance to the Celtics’ victories and confirmed their position in the MVP competition.
Irving, who had a tough start in the first two games, regained his flow in Game 3, making several three-point shots and guiding the Mavericks’ attack. Nevertheless, Doncic’s foul issues and subsequent removal were crucial, since Dallas couldn’t maintain their momentum without their key player in the game. The ongoing issue of Doncic’s frustration with referees and his struggles to remain calm in high-pressure situations is still a topic of discussion among analysts.
Jaylen Brown’s Ascension to Prominence
Jaylen Brown has consistently performed at a high level in the Finals, leading to his position at the top of the MVP ladder. Brown has been crucial for the Celtics, maintaining an average of 24.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. His skill to come through in important moments, particularly in Game 3, where he surpassed the Mavericks in crucial situations, showcases his development as a player and his significance to Boston’s championship goals.
Leadership and Performance of Tatum
Jayson Tatum’s crucial role for the Celtics lies in his leadership and scoring abilities. Despite facing criticism for his earlier game performances, Tatum bounced back with a solid performance in Game 3, keeping pace with Irving’s first-half scoring and helping Boston stay competitive. Tatum’s crucial role in the Celtics’ success stems from his leadership through leading by example and stepping up in key moments.
The Redemption of Irving and the Challenges Faced by the Mavericks
The Mavericks found a silver lining in Kyrie Irving’s Game 3 redemption, as he scored 35 points and regained his shooting touch. Yet, the team’s difficulties when Doncic wasn’t playing pointed out the necessity for a greater variety of contributions. Coach Jason Kidd’s focus on defensive duties and teamwork highlights the obstacles Dallas must overcome to defeat Boston’s strong performance.
The consistent control of holiday.
Jrue Holiday’s reliable performance has been a fundamental element for the Celtics. Even though he may not score in a flashy way, his defensive skills and adaptability have been extremely important. Holiday’s skill in making crucial plays and backing up his teammates showcases the Celtics’ roster’s depth and resilience.
Challenges and Future Path of Doncic
Luka Doncic’s impressive offensive displays have been overlooked due to his difficulties with officiating and shortcomings on defense. Coach Kidd’s encouragement for Doncic to have faith in his teammates and prioritize team defense points out the specific areas in which the rising star must work on. The Mavericks’ future success will greatly depend on Doncic’s capacity to adjust and gain knowledge from these situations.
Anticipating Game 4 and the Future
In getting ready for Game 4, the Celtics will concentrate on sustaining their defensive intensity and taking advantage of their offensive chances. It will be crucial for the Mavericks to blend Doncic’s talent with a more united team approach. The result of the series could depend on if Dallas can come together to support their star player and conquer the tough obstacle presented by Boston.
The NBA Finals remain a display of skill, tactics, and perseverance. The outcomes of Brown, Tatum, Irving, Holiday, and Doncic’s performances will certainly influence the stories and reputations that come from this exciting series. The Celtics are nearing their 18th NBA championship, placing pressure on the Mavericks to make history with a remarkable comeback.