Doncic's foul block disrupts Mavericks' progress.
In the face of two losses, the upcoming NBA Finals game in Dallas holds significant importance for the Mavericks. Fans of Dirk Nowitzki are on an emotional roller coaster ride and have little faith left. Despite Kyrie Irving's best performance to date.
The Boston Celtics are just one win away from securing the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks and becoming the league's sole record holder with their 18th NBA title. Following their 106:99 win in Texas, the Celtics now lead the series 3:0. The Mavericks' second championship since 2011 is now unlikely given the statistical probability. No team has ever overcome a 0:3 deficit in the playoffs. Apart from the Celtics, only the Los Angeles Lakers have won 17 titles.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown said, "This is a big win. I'm proud of how we played today." Speaking about the potential outcome in the fourth game of the series, which will take place in Dallas on Saturday night, he added, "We need to stay focused and calm."
"We won't give up on our belief"
The Mavericks, with their star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as well as fellow German Maxi Kleber, squandered an early 13-point lead, leaving their fans with little hope. They were 21 points behind in the game's closing moments. But Doncic and Irving led a 20:2 comeback that reduced the Celtics' lead to just 90:93. However, a dubious foul on Doncic left him with six fouls and unable to continue playing. Irving brought the Mavs within one point of the Celtics at 92:93, but this was not enough for a tie or even the lead.
Doncic expressed confidence after the game, stating, "We almost came back from a 21-point deficit. We won't give up on our belief." Brown from the Celtics also shared his confidence, saying, "That's basketball. They had their run, but we stayed in the game and made our baskets at the right time." Doncic finished the night with 27 points, six assists, and six rebounds. Irving scored an impressive 35 points and delivered his best performance of the final series. Kleber played for only eight minutes and missed all three shot attempts.
Jayson Tatum and Brown once again led the Celtics, with Tatum scoring 31 points and Brown contributing 30 points. The Celtics were without the injured leading performance contributor, Kristaps Porzingis, whose presence was crucial in their first two final series victories in Boston.
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The Dallas Mavericks need to regroup for the Basketball playoffs, as their chances of winning the NBA title are dwindling after losing three games to the Boston Celtics. Despite a 20-point comeback led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks' Basketball playoffs hopes are hanging by a thread.
