On Wednesday evening, the Dallas Mavericks faced a tough defeat against the Boston Celtics, losing Game 3 of the NBA Finals with a score of 106-99. This loss places the Mavericks in a challenging 0-3 position in the series.
Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ star forward, delivered an impressive performance despite the outcome, scoring 27 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out six assists. He also added a steal to his stat line but struggled with his shooting, going 11/27 from the field and 1/7 from beyond the arc in 38 minutes of play. Additionally, Doncic fouled out with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, further complicating the Mavericks’ efforts.
Following the game, Doncic faced the media with a determined outlook. When asked about the daunting statistic that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the series, he responded with unwavering confidence, “It’s not over till it’s over. We just gotta believe. Like I always say, it’s first to four. We’re going to stay together. We lose together, we win together, so we gotta stay together.”
Doncic’s first appearance in the NBA Finals has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the first three games, he has averaged 29.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, showcasing his significant impact and leadership on the court.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will attempt to stave off elimination in Game 4, which will also take place in Dallas, Texas, on Friday evening. Should they manage to secure a win, the series will shift back to Boston for Game 5 on Monday evening.
The Mavericks’ last NBA Championship win was in 2011, and they now face an uphill battle to replicate that success. However, with Doncic’s leadership and resilience, the team remains hopeful and focused on taking the series one game at a time.