(sabasports resport) The NBA Finals have resumed with the Boston Celtics beating the Dallas Mavericks to take game point in the Finals. Jayson Tatum had 31 points, six rebounds and five assists, Jaylen Brown added 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and the Celtics held off a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Mavericks 106-99 for a 3-0 overall lead. Game 4 of the finals will continue in Dallas.
At key moments in the game, the Lone Ranger missed several tying opportunities. Brown drove Luka Doncic out of the game for six, and despite a challenge from Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, a review of the video upheld the decision and Doncic graduated early. Kyrie Irving hit a jumper to cut the deficit to one, but Brown made a second-down play and Derrick White hit a 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 98-92 lead.
Irving drew a foul on Justin Holiday and made two free throws before Tatum drove for a dunk and Dereck Lively had two dunks to put the Mavericks down 98-100. Brown hit a jumper, P.J. Washington and Irving took turns missing 3-pointers, Washington fought for a rebound and fouled, and White made two free throws to give the Celtics a 104-98 lead.
Tim Hardaway Jr. missed a 3-pointer and Tatum was fouled and made two free throws in the final moments to give the Celtics a 106-98 lead. Washington made one of two free throws and the Mavericks fell 99-106.