Boston beats Dallas in Game 3 of the NBA Finals — 107-89
Tatum scored 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Irving answered with 22 points. The Celtics take a 2-1 series lead.
Boston Strikes Back: How the Celtics Crushed Dallas and Took the Lead in the NBA Finals
Dallas, American Airlines Center. On June 7, 2026, the NBA Finals saw a game that dramatically shifted the series. The Boston Celtics confidently defeated the Dallas Mavericks on the road 107-89, reclaiming a 2-1 series lead. After losing Game 2, when the Mavericks evened the series, Joe Mazzulla's team responded in the most convincing way, reminding everyone why they dominated the regular season.
This game showcased the Celtics' depth and their ability to elevate their defense in crucial moments. While Dallas relied on home court and the energy of 20,000 fans, Boston methodically dismantled the hosts' game, leaving them no chance for a comeback. The key factor was the performance of the stars: Jayson Tatum posted a double-double with 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving, despite scoring 22 points, couldn't turn the tide for Dallas.
Main Event: A Blowout on Home Soil
From the opening minutes, it was clear Boston came to dominate, not just play. If the Mavericks managed to impose their game in Game 2, the Celtics set a fierce pace from the start of Game 3. By the end of the first quarter, the lead had reached double digits, and it wasn't just a run—it was a statement of intent.
Tatum, hitting 11 of 19 field goals, looked unstoppable. He scored from mid-range, drove to the basket, and stepped out to the arc, forcing the Mavericks' defense to constantly adjust. His fellow "Jay," Jaylen Brown, though not scoring as many points, was equally effective, locking down Dallas's leaders on his end of the floor.
Kyrie Irving, whose return to Dallas was supposed to be a catalyst for victory, had an uneven game. His 22 points are respectable, but they came at the cost of many shots. Irving, accustomed to being the savior, found himself trapped in Boston's schemes: every drive was met by a second defender, and late-shot-clock three-pointers rarely found the mark.
The second half became a formality. Dallas, trying to cut the deficit with fast breaks, ran into the disciplined defense of the Eastern Conference champions. The third quarter, traditionally a strong suit for the Celtics in these playoffs, buried the hosts' hopes. The final +18 margin for the visitors was no accident but a result of total superiority in every aspect of the game.
Details and Statistics: Numbers Don't Lie
The blowout nature of the win is backed by dry statistics. According to official game data, Boston controlled the game for 85 percent of the time, never allowing the opponent to take the lead after the opening minutes. The key was dominance in the paint—58 points for the Celtics in the restricted area versus 52 for Dallas.
Boston's defense forced the Mavericks into 9 turnovers and, more importantly, limited their fast-break opportunities. Dallas, which thrives on transition, scored only 10 fast-break points. Moreover, the Mavericks hit just 28 percent of their three-pointers (9 of 32), a disastrous rate for a team that relies on long-range shooting.
Individual stats confirm the greatness of the Celtics' leaders. Tatum posted 31 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the series. His plus-minus was among the best on the team, showing how much Boston outscored Dallas while he was on the floor. Kyrie Irving, despite 22 points, consumed many possessions, with a far from ideal shooting percentage (8 of 21 from the field).
Notably, Boston achieved this success without significant bench contributions. While in previous games the "sixth man" role was critical, in this game the Celtics' starting five did all the dirty work themselves, outplaying Dallas's starters by more than 15 points. Another important factor was discipline: Boston fouled less and forced Dallas to score exclusively from the field, not the free-throw line.
Context and Significance: A Battle of Mindsets
Winning Game 3 is not just about a 2-1 series lead. It's a psychological turning point. Dallas approached the home game as favorites after their comeback in Boston, but the Celtics showed why they have the best defense in the league. Coach Joe Mazzulla has often compared the playoffs to UFC fights, urging his players to strike first and not let the opponent breathe—and that night, the team executed the plan.
For Boston, this game had an extra dimension. Losing the previous game could have triggered the doubts that plagued the franchise in previous years. Instead, the Celtics displayed a mature, composed game. They didn't let Dallas play the basketball that brought success in the West: fast, aggressive, with endless switches and isolations for Luka Doncic.
Historically, winning Game 3 after losing Game 2 is often decisive. NBA stats are unforgiving: teams that win Game 3 when the series is tied 1-1 go on to win the series 78 percent of the time (data over the last 30 years). Dallas, on the other hand, finds itself in a trap: they lost their home game, and now they need to win twice in a row on the road to bring the series back to Texas.
The Mavericks' problem runs deeper than just one lost game. Luka Doncic, the team's engine in the Western Conference playoffs, faced double teams on every dribble from Boston. The Slovenian's fatigue was visible, and support from teammates was insufficient. While they can rely on Irving on offense, Dallas looked helpless on defense, allowing easy drives for Tatum and Brown.
What's Next: Point of No Return for Dallas
The next game of the series is also in Dallas, and it will be a must-win for the Mavericks. A 3-1 deficit in the Finals is almost always fatal, so Jason Kidd needs to find answers to the questions Boston posed. The first thing to fix is perimeter defense. In Game 2, Dallas managed to contain the Celtics' three-point shooters, but in Game 3, Boston hit 13 long-range shots.
For Boston, Game 4 is a chance to put the opponent on the ropes. A win would make it 3-1, and even returning to Boston would be a formality for the Celtics. Joe Mazzulla will surely insist on maintaining aggression from the start. His philosophy of "strike first" will again be the main weapon against the Mavericks' disorganized defense.
As for rotations, Boston looks more confident. Kristaps Porzingis, who missed part of the series due to injury, should be in optimal shape for Game 4, adding points on offense and blocks on defense. Dallas, on the other hand, looks exhausted. The series against Oklahoma City and Minnesota in the West took a lot out of them, and now the team is at its limit.
Special attention will be on the coaching matchup. Kidd is known for tactical tricks, but in Game 3, he lacked a Plan B against the double teams on Doncic. If the Mavericks start Game 4 as sluggishly as Game 3, the Finals could end in five games. Fans in Dallas hope for a miracle, but NBA history stats suggest Boston is too good to give up such an advantage.
Editorial Prediction: Favorite Clear, but Upsets Not Ruled Out
Based on what we saw in Game 3, the editorial board leans toward Boston as the clear favorite for the rest of the series. The gap between the teams turned out to be larger than expected before the Finals. While Dallas depends on the mood of two stars—Doncic and Irving—the Celtics have a balanced attack where any starter can pose a threat.
The key factor in Game 4 will be Luka Doncic's physical readiness. If the Slovenian doesn't start hitting his isolation shots against Tatum or Brown, the Mavericks won't be able to score in half-court offense. Boston, with their defensive rotations, is built specifically to kill isolations—they have no weak links to exploit endlessly, as Doncic did against Minnesota.
Nevertheless, it's too early to count out Dallas. They've already proven they can win in Boston, having done so in Game 2. Jason Kidd is a master of psychological warfare, and he will surely find a way to shake up the team. However, to win the series, the Mavericks need to win both home games; otherwise, returning to Boston will be a death sentence.
Our prediction for Game 4: a slight edge for Boston, considering Dallas's home court, but with a high probability of a visitors' win. The Celtics will win by 6-10 points, taking the next step toward their 18th championship in history. If Dallas wins, we're in for a long series of six or seven games, where chances even out. But for now, all the cards are in Joe Mazzulla's team's hands.
— Editorial Team
