The Boston Celtics are poised to make NBA history as they stand on the verge of sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals this Friday. Game 4 is slated to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. With a commanding 3-0 series lead, Boston is just one win away from securing their 18th championship title, the most in franchise history.
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The Celtics’ dominant performance in Game 3 was a testament to their depth and skill. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for an impressive 61 points, further solidifying their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable duos. Their contributions were pivotal in Boston’s 7-0 road record in the 2024 playoffs, showcasing their resilience and consistency.
On the other side, the Mavericks have struggled to find their footing against the relentless Celtics. Despite Luka Doncic’s 27 points and Kyrie Irving’s game-high 35 points in Game 3, Dallas couldn’t turn the tide. Irving, in particular, has faced a personal hurdle, with this loss marking his 13th straight game defeat against his former team, the Celtics.
Historically, no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit in the playoffs, a fact underscored by 156 previous attempts. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the Mavericks, as only four teams in a similar predicament have managed to force a Game 7. Interestingly, the Celtics were one of these teams, achieving this feat in last year’s Eastern Conference finals.
The Mavericks are no strangers to NBA Finals pressure. They clinched their first and only championship in 2011, with Dirk Nowitzki leading the charge. This victory remains a cherished memory for Dallas fans, as it was also their last appearance in the NBA Finals.
The Celtics, with their storied history, have a surprising title drought compared to the Mavericks. Their last NBA championship came in 2008, despite having 17 titles under their belt. Boston’s journey back to the Finals has been fraught with challenges, including a disappointing loss to the Warriors in six games during the 2022 NBA Finals and a tough defeat in the conference finals to the Heat last season.
As Game 4 approaches, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can close out the series and etch their names in the annals of NBA history. Will the Mavericks defy the odds and stage a historic comeback, or will Boston celebrate their long-awaited 18th title? Tune in to find out.
For more information on the NBA Finals, visit the NBA’s official site.
