As the 2023-24 NBA Finals head to Game 3, the Boston Celtics are riding high with a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks. The clash is set for Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center, where the Mavericks hope to turn the tide on home court. Having claimed both games at TD Garden, including a narrow 105-98 victory in Game 2, the Celtics look to tighten their grip on the championship series.
Boston’s Defensive Masterclass
The Celtics’ defense has been pivotal in their Finals success so far. In Game 2, they stifled the Mavericks’ three-point shooting, limiting them to a dismal 6-26 from beyond the arc. This 23.1% shooting performance from deep was well below the 35% threshold that has often determined Dallas’ success. Throughout these playoffs, the Mavericks have an 8-0 record when surpassing that mark, but are just 4-7 when they fail to hit it. The Celtics have effectively exploited this vulnerability, combining stellar perimeter defense with the ability to capitalize on turnovers, outscoring Dallas 21-12 in points off turnovers.
Jrue Holiday has been a standout for Boston, delivering a commanding 26-point, 11-rebound double-double in Game 2. His defensive prowess and leadership have been instrumental in stifling Dallas’ offensive flow and supporting the Celtics’ transition game.
Mavericks’ Desperate Need for a Turnaround
For the Mavericks, the challenge of overcoming a 2-0 deficit is daunting, but history offers a glimmer of hope. The 2020-2021 Milwaukee Bucks managed to claw back from a similar situation to win the championship. Yet, the task ahead for Dallas is compounded by the potential loss of Kristaps Porzingis, who is likely to miss Game 3 due to a rare left leg injury. Porzingis had only just returned after a six-week absence, and his potential prolonged absence could significantly hinder Dallas’ chances.
Luka Doncic has been a lone warrior for the Mavericks, delivering stellar performances with back-to-back games of 30 and 32 points, alongside a triple-double in Game 2. However, his Herculean efforts have been overshadowed by the lack of support from his teammates. Kyrie Irving, in particular, has struggled to find his rhythm, shooting a combined 13-37 from the field and failing to make a single three-pointer across both games. The supporting cast has been similarly ineffective, failing to provide the necessary firepower to complement Doncic’s brilliance.
Key Matchups and Strategic Adjustments
As the series shifts to Dallas, the Mavericks will need more than just a heroic effort from Doncic to reclaim momentum. The potential absence of Porzingis places additional pressure on the team to adjust strategically. Dallas will need to find ways to improve their shooting efficiency and reduce turnovers, two areas that have been exploited by Boston thus far.
On the Celtics’ side, maintaining their defensive intensity and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities will be crucial. Boston’s depth and experience have shown through in the early games, and they will look to continue leveraging their advantage in ball control and defensive versatility.
Betting Insights and Trends
The betting odds reflect a tight contest for Game 3, with no clear favorite emerging. However, a noteworthy trend is the total points line, which has been set at 213.5 points. The unders have been consistent, hitting in five straight Finals games and not coming close to the set line in the first two games (196 and 203 points). This trend suggests a potential continuation of low-scoring games, driven by the Celtics’ defensive tenacity and the Mavericks’ struggles to find offensive rhythm
As the Celtics and Mavericks gear up for Game 3, the stakes are high for both teams. For Boston, a victory would place them on the brink of their 18th NBA Championship. For Dallas, it’s a critical opportunity to spark a comeback and shift the momentum in their favor. The game promises to be a test of resolve, strategy, and execution, with the Mavericks desperate to avoid a 3-0 hole and the Celtics eager to assert their dominance.
Will the Mavericks rise to the occasion on their home court, or will the Celtics continue their march towards the championship? All eyes will be on the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night to find out.
