Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: Game 3 Breakdown

The NBA Finals 2024 has been a spectacle of skill, grit, and tenacity. As the series unfolded, the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks found themselves in a fierce battle for the ultimate prize. The finals reached Game 3 on June 12, 2024, where the Celtics pulled off an incredible victory, securing a 104-98 win. This victory pushed the Celtics to a 3-0 lead in the series, putting them one step closer to claiming the championship.

Basketball fans around the world have been glued to their screens, especially with stars like Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić leading their respective teams. Game 3 didn’t disappoint. It was a thrilling contest that saw the Celtics come back from a 13-point deficit. Let’s break down the Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats, the strategies, and the key player performances that made this match one of the most memorable of the season.

Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics Match Overview

This 2024 NBA Finals match was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the Mavericks hoped to gain their first win of the series. The Mavericks had a solid start, thanks to Luka Dončić, who was instrumental in giving them an early lead. By the end of the first half, Dallas had a comfortable advantage, but the Boston Celtics refused to go down without a fight.

As the game progressed, the Celtics made significant adjustments. They tightened up their defense, which allowed them to slowly chip away at the Mavericks’ lead. By the fourth quarter, the momentum had shifted in favor of Boston, as they outscored the Mavericks 30-20. It was a testament to their resilience and strategic play, which ultimately led to their win.

Key Player Performances

The key to the Celtics’ victory was the incredible performance of Jayson Tatum. Tatum finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, showing why he’s considered one of the top players in the league. His ability to score in critical moments and his defensive contributions were crucial in turning the game around. This performance wasn’t just about stats; it was about leadership.

On the Mavericks’ side, Luka Dončić did everything in his power to keep his team in the game. With 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, he nearly posted a triple-double, displaying his all-around capabilities. However, even his near-flawless play couldn’t prevent the Celtics from taking the win. His contributions were monumental, but the lack of support from the rest of the Mavericks squad made it tough to capitalize on his efforts.

Jayson Tatum’s Impact on the Game

Jayson Tatum once again proved why he’s one of the brightest stars in the NBA. From start to finish, Tatum was a force on both ends of the court. His offensive game was on full display, as he knocked down crucial shots and kept the Celtics within striking distance during the early parts of the game. By the second half, his 30-point performance became the driving force behind Boston’s comeback.

Aside from his scoring, Tatum’s defensive prowess shined. He grabbed 10 rebounds, many of them in key moments that stifled the Mavericks’ momentum. His ability to guard multiple positions made life difficult for the Mavericks’ offense. Tatum’s versatility is one of the reasons why the Celtics are now just one win away from the title.

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Luka Dončić’s Standout Performance

Despite the loss, Luka Dončić left it all on the floor. The Dallas Mavericks star had one of his best games of the season, scoring 35 points, dishing out 9 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds. Dončić’s performance was a reminder of his ability to take over a game, even against a strong defensive team like the Boston Celtics.

Dončić’s shooting efficiency was impressive, hitting 55% of his shots from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. While the Celtics managed to slow him down in the final moments, Dončić’s ability to create offense kept the Mavericks competitive throughout the game. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to prevent Boston from gaining the upper hand.

Kyrie Irving’s Offensive Contribution

Kyrie Irving added 25 points for the Mavericks, playing his role as a secondary scorer to perfection. He made key shots in the third quarter, helping Dallas maintain their lead. Irving’s ball-handling and scoring ability made him a constant threat to the Celtics’ defense, forcing them to double-team him at times.

However, in the final quarter, Irving’s influence waned as the Celtics’ defense locked in. Despite his impressive stats, including 5 assists, the Mavericks were unable to hold off the surging Celtics. Irving’s performance was one of his best in the playoffs, but the team’s inability to convert on crucial possessions hurt them in the end.

Team Shooting and Field Goal Percentages

The Boston Celtics shot 46.3% from the field, a respectable percentage that helped them stay in the game. Their ability to make shots when it mattered most was one of the key reasons for their victory. The Celtics also hit 17/46 three-pointers, translating to a solid 37.0% from beyond the arc.

In contrast, the Dallas Mavericks struggled with their shooting efficiency in the fourth quarter. While they ended the game shooting 44.5% from the field, their 36% from the three-point line wasn’t enough to keep up with the Celtics. Despite having Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the offense, the rest of the team couldn’t consistently hit their shots.

Points in the Paint: Celtics vs Mavericks

A key battle in this game was fought in the paint. The Boston Celtics scored 52 points in the paint, outmuscling the Mavericks’ defense. Their inside presence, led by Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams III, allowed them to score efficiently near the rim. This dominance in the paint played a crucial role in their comeback.

On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks only managed 38 points in the paint, as they relied more on outside shooting. While Luka Dončić had success driving to the basket, the Celtics’ interior defense held firm, limiting Dallas’ ability to score easy points near the rim. The difference in paint points highlighted Boston’s physicality and defensive adjustments.

Rebounds and Turnovers Comparison

Rebounding was another area where the Boston Celtics excelled. Despite being out-rebounded overall with the Mavericks grabbing 43 rebounds compared to the Celtics’ 36, Boston won the battle of the crucial rebounds. Jayson Tatum and Al Horford grabbed key boards in the fourth quarter, preventing the Mavericks from getting second-chance opportunities.

Turnovers, however, proved to be costly for the Mavericks. They committed 15 turnovers, many of which came in the final quarter. The Celtics capitalized on these mistakes, turning turnovers into transition points. In contrast, Boston limited their own turnovers to 9, which helped them maintain control of the game in crucial moments.

Free Throw and 3-Point Shooting Analysis

Free throw shooting is always critical in close games, and in Game 3, the Boston Celtics made the most of their opportunities. The Celtics shot 83.3% from the free-throw line, making 15 out of 18 attempts. These free throws proved vital, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line.

On the flip side, the Dallas Mavericks struggled from the line, making just 70.6% of their free throws (12/17). This disparity in free-throw accuracy was one of the factors that tipped the scales in favor of the Celtics. Additionally, the Mavericks shot just 36% from the three-point line, which hindered their ability to keep pace with the Celtics’ efficient shooting.

Team Defense and Fast Break Points

The Boston Celtics’ defense was instrumental in their victory. They held the Mavericks to just 20 points in the fourth quarter, making key stops when it mattered most. Their ability to switch on defense and contest shots disrupted the Mavericks’ offense, leading to fast break opportunities.

Boston outscored Dallas in transition, scoring 15 fast break points compared to the Mavericks’ 8. The Celtics’ speed and ability to capitalize on turnovers gave them easy scoring chances, which proved to be the difference in a tightly contested game.

Celtics’ Comeback from 13-Point Deficit

One of the most thrilling moments in NBA Finals 2024 Game 3 was the Boston Celtics’ incredible comeback from a 13-point deficit. Early in the third quarter, the Dallas Mavericks had firm control of the game, leading by double digits thanks to the combined efforts of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

The Mavericks’ shooting was on fire, and their defense was stifling, putting immense pressure on the Celtics to respond. At the 7:45 mark of the third quarter, Dallas was up by 13, and it looked like they were poised to secure their first win in the series.

However, the Celtics didn’t back down. Jayson Tatum, supported by Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, led a furious comeback, scoring in quick succession. The Celtics increased their defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and missed shots from the Mavericks. By the end of the third quarter, they had cut the lead to just 3 points, and with momentum on their side, they dominated the final period, outscoring Dallas 30-20 to secure a memorable 104-98 win.

Series Implications: Celtics Lead 3-0

With the Celtics leading the series 3-0 after Game 3, the implications for both teams are massive. Historically, no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the finals, placing the Dallas Mavericks in a near-impossible situation. For the Celtics, this commanding lead gives them a golden opportunity to close out the series and claim the NBA Championship. Their performance so far has demonstrated their resilience, teamwork, and poise under pressure.

For the Mavericks, this loss is a huge blow. Despite the heroic efforts of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, they now face an uphill battle. The pressure is on for them to win Game 4 at all costs if they want to avoid being swept. However, with Jayson Tatum playing at an MVP level and the Celtics firing on all cylinders, Dallas needs to regroup and come up with a new strategy to stand any chance of extending the series.

Key Plays and Turning Points

Several key plays shifted the momentum in favor of the Celtics during Game 3. One of the pivotal moments came at the 4:32 mark in the fourth quarter when Jayson Tatum hit a clutch three-pointer, bringing the Celtics within one point of the Mavericks. This shot electrified the Celtics’ bench and put immense pressure on the Mavericks, who struggled to find an answer on offense.

Another crucial turning point was a defensive block by Robert Williams III with just over two minutes remaining, denying a layup attempt from Luka Dončić. The Celtics quickly transitioned this defensive stop into a fast-break score, courtesy of Jaylen Brown, giving Boston its first lead since the first quarter. From that moment on, the Celtics controlled the game, with Marcus Smart making key free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.

Coaching Strategies: Jason Kidd vs Brad Stevens

The coaching duel between Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics was a critical aspect of Game 3. Jason Kidd employed an offensive strategy that focused on isolating Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, allowing them to exploit mismatches.

This worked well in the first half, as Dallas built a comfortable lead. However, Kidd struggled to make effective adjustments once the Celtics’ defense ramped up in the second half, leading to costly turnovers and missed opportunities.

On the other hand, Brad Stevens made crucial adjustments that allowed the Celtics to mount their comeback. Stevens emphasized ball movement and attacking the paint, which led to easy buckets and free-throw opportunities in the fourth quarter. He also made the decision to switch defensive schemes, pressuring Dončić and Irving with double-teams, which disrupted their offensive rhythm. Stevens’ tactical shift paid off, as the Celtics regained control of the game and ultimately secured the win.

NBA Finals Game 3 Recap and Final Score

Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Dallas Mavericks came out strong, leading by as much as 13 points in the third quarter, thanks to the stellar play of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. At halftime, the Mavericks held a 56-49 lead, and their home crowd at the American Airlines Center was buzzing with anticipation for a series-shifting victory.

However, the Boston Celtics refused to quit. Behind a 30-point performance from Jayson Tatum, the Celtics clawed their way back into the game. Boston outscored Dallas 30-20 in the final quarter, using key defensive stops and timely shooting to secure a 104-98 victory. This win pushed the Celtics to a 3-0 lead in the series, leaving them just one win away from an NBA Championship.

Quick Facts

• Game Date: June 12, 2024
• Final Score: Boston Celtics 104, Dallas Mavericks 98
• Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas
• Boston Celtics Leading Scorer: Jayson Tatum (30 points)
• Dallas Mavericks Leading Scorer: Luka Dončić (35 points)
• Series Lead: Celtics lead the series 3-0
• Key Highlight: Celtics’ comeback from a 13-point deficit

Final Thoughts

The 2024 NBA Finals Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks was a perfect showcase of high-level basketball. The Celtics’ resilience and ability to make key plays under pressure have been the defining characteristics of this series so far. With a 3-0 lead, Boston is now on the verge of winning their first NBA Championship since 2008.

For the Mavericks, the road ahead is tough, but not impossible. They have the talent in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving to push the series forward. However, they need to find solutions to the Celtics’ stifling defense and make crucial adjustments to avoid elimination. Game 4 will be the ultimate test for Jason Kidd and his team.

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FAQs

Q: Who was the leading scorer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals 2024?

A: Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks was the leading scorer with 35 points, but Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics led his team with 30 points.

Q: Where was Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals played?

A: The game was played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Q: What is the current series score after Game 3?

A: The Boston Celtics lead the series 3-0 after their win in Game 3.

Q: How many points did the Celtics score in the fourth quarter of Game 3?

A: The Celtics outscored the Mavericks 30-20 in the fourth quarter to secure their victory.

Q: Can the Mavericks still win the 2024 NBA Finals?

A: It is highly unlikely, as no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Finals. However, the Mavericks still have a chance to fight for a win in Game 4.