In the wake of intense scrutiny surrounding Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star responded emphatically in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Alongside Jaylen Brown, Tatum helped the Celtics secure a crucial 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, despite the absence of Kristaps Porzingis.
The Celtics’ dynamic duo combined for 61 points, derailing what could have been a redemptive night for Kyrie Irving, who scored a game-high 35 points. The Mavericks’ hopes crumbled after Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the game.
Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 series lead in the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series.
Here are the Top 5 players in the 2024 NBA Finals MVP Ladder following Game 3:
1. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Last ranking: No. 3
NBA Finals stats: 24.3 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.7 apg
While Tatum led the Celtics in scoring, Brown has been the model of consistency. He scored a game-high 15 points in the third quarter, helping Boston outscore the Mavericks 22-19 and build a 15-point lead. Brown also played a pivotal role in fouling out Doncic, proving clutch down the stretch.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last ranking: No. 4
NBA Finals stats: 21.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 7.3 apg
Tatum set the pace early with 13 points in the first quarter and matched Irving’s game-high 20 points by halftime. His strong performance kept Boston competitive as Irving and Doncic combined for 37 points in the first half. Tatum’s efforts were crucial in securing the win and his celebratory walk to the locker room was well-earned.
3. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Last ranking: No. 5
NBA Finals stats: 21 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.3 apg
Irving’s playoff performance has been a rollercoaster, but he bounced back in Game 3. Averaging just 14 points in the first two games, Irving exploded in Game 3, hitting 4-for-5 from three-point range in the first half. He became the first Maverick besides Doncic to make multiple threes in this series.
4. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Last ranking: No. 1
NBA Finals stats: 15.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 4.3 apg
Holiday’s consistency, versatility, and hustle have been invaluable to the Celtics. Although Derrick White’s Game 3 performance was notable (16 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks), Holiday remains a key player due to his defensive tenacity and effort plays, making life difficult for his opponents.
5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last ranking: No. 2
NBA Finals stats: 29.7 ppg, 9 rpg, 6 apg
Doncic had a challenging first half and fouled out for only the third time in his career, the first in the playoffs. His disqualification with 4:12 left in the game, while Dallas trailed by three, was a significant blow. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has often criticized Doncic for letting disputes with officials distract him, which again proved costly.
Boston now looks to close out the series in the potential elimination Game 4 at the American Airlines Center on Friday. The Celtics aim to clinch their championship, while the Mavericks will fight to keep their season alive.
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