Celtics on Verge of Record 18th Championship After Narrow Victory Over Mavericks

The Boston Celtics are now just one win away from claiming their record 18th NBA Championship after a thrilling 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. The win gives Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead, placing them in prime position to break their tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championship in NBA history.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Celtics, combining for 61 points. Tatum scored 31 points, while Brown added 30 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists. This dynamic duo played a pivotal role in securing the win, especially down the stretch when the Mavericks mounted a fierce comeback.

Boston’s triumph extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive playoff victory and improved their impressive road record to 7-0 this postseason. The Celtics can now clinch the series and their place in history with a win in Game 4, set to take place on Friday in Dallas.

Despite the victory, the Celtics had to overcome a nearly disastrous fourth quarter. They held a substantial 21-point lead with 11 minutes remaining, but Dallas, showing resilience reminiscent of their 2011 championship team, staged a dramatic rally. The Mavericks went on a 22-2 run, cutting the deficit to just one point with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game.

The comeback bid was dealt a significant blow when Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining. The Mavericks star player was unable to continue after a challenge to overturn his sixth foul was unsuccessful. Kyrie Irving, who led Dallas with 35 points, managed to bring the Mavericks within one with a crucial jumper, but it wasn’t enough.

In the final moments, Tatum and Brown, with assistance from Derrick White who contributed 16 points, combined for the Celtics remaining 13 points to fend off the Mavericks. This clutch performance ensured that Boston stayed on track for their first title since 2008, and only their second since 1986.

The Celtics have historically been dominant when leading 3-0 in the NBA Finals, having been in this position before in 1959, when they swept the Lakers to claim the championship. With momentum on their side and a chance to make history, the Boston Celtics are on the brink of achieving what has eluded them for over a decade. As they prepare for Game 4, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if the Celtics can finish the job and cement their legacy as the most successful franchise in NBA history.

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