2024 NBA Playoffs Day 42 Recap: Boston takes a commanding 3-0 NBA Finals lead

The Boston Celtics dominated the Dallas Mavericks once again and built a commanding 3-0 series lead in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Day 42 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday night.

Despite playing without starting center Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics looked like the hungrier team and played like they were the ones down 0-2. 

Boston created separation in the 3rd quarter with their quality shot making and signature drive and kick out offense, building a 21-point lead.

With perhaps seemingly out of hand, Dallas unleashed a run bridging the 3rd and 4th quarters to cut the lead down to just three. However, superstar Luka Doncic fouled out on a questionable blocking foul call on him against Jaylen Brown.

Without their superstar, Dallas was not able to get enough baskets with Kyrie Irving being the main target of Boston’s defense.

Some takeaways from this game:

• Jrue Holiday and Derrick White’s impact as two-way guards shine 
• Jayson Tatum finally snaps out of his Finals funk but would it be enough to win him the Finals MVP award remains to be seen
• Luka getting exploited on defense and picked on by the Celtics is still the story of the series despite him putting up historic scoring numbers

Boston will try to close the series out and win their coveted 18th championship banner when the 2024 NBA Finals continues on Friday night in Game 4 still at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.