Celtics Take 3 0 Lead In Series After Holding Off Mavericks In Dallas

Boston Celtics edge out Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals

Celtics take 3-0 lead in series after holding off Mavericks in Dallas

The Boston Celtics took a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals on Tuesday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 104-102 in Game 1 at the American Airlines Center. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 21 points and 8 assists. Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, but he fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics jumped out to an early lead, taking a 10-point advantage in the first quarter. The Mavericks fought back in the second quarter, but the Celtics still held a 51-46 lead at halftime. The Mavericks continued to chip away at the Celtics' lead in the third quarter, but the Celtics were able to hold on to take a 77-69 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks made one final push in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics were able to make key plays down the stretch to secure the victory. Dončić fouled out with less than two minutes remaining in the game, and the Celtics made their free throws to ice the game.

The Celtics will now have a chance to close out the series in Game 4 on Thursday night in Dallas. The Mavericks will need to win Game 4 to avoid being swept.