Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, putting them on the brink of a record 18th NBA championship. Tatum scored 31 points, and Brown added 30 as the Celtics extended their playoff winning streak to 10 games and their road record to 7-0.
Despite almost losing a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Celtics managed to hold off a fierce Dallas rally. The Mavericks, without Kristaps Porzingis, fought hard but couldn’t overcome the deficit. Luka Doncic’s foul trouble in the final minutes proved costly for Dallas, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The win puts Boston in a commanding 3-0 series lead, with history pointing to a near-impossible comeback for the Mavericks. The Celtics showed resilience and determination, with Tatum and Brown stepping up in critical moments.
As the Celtics inch closer to a title, the pressure mounts on Dallas to avoid a sweep. The young Mavs team, led by Doncic, will need to dig deep to make a comeback in the series.
While the celebration begins for some, the Celtics remain focused and aware of the challenges ahead. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizes the team’s vulnerability and the need to maintain a fighting mindset as they aim to secure their first title since 2008.