Mavs come close but can't overtake Celtics who take crucial 3-0 lead in NBA Finals

It looks like there's no way for the Dallas Mavericks to turn things around in the NBA Finals.

Celtics find a way to hold off Mavs

The Boston Celtics now have a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals after surviving a late-game surge from the Dallas Mavericks to secure a 106-99 victory in Game 3.

Despite playing without Kristaps Porzigis, the Celtics found a way to extend their playoff winning streak, putting them just one win away from their first championship since the 2007-08 season.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were the standout performers for Boston, combining for 61 points.

Tatum scored 31 points, adding six rebounds and five assists, while Brown contributed 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

Brown's critical jumper with about a minute left, coupled with key defensive stops on Kyrie Irving, ensured that Boston held off a Mavericks team that was desperate to avoid falling into a deeper hole in the series.

Doncic's exit put an end to the Mavericks' hopes

Dallas made a valiant effort to stage a comeback after being down by 21 points early in the fourth quarter.

A 22-2 run brought them within two points, but crucial plays by Derrick White and a late offensive foul by P.J. Washington halted their momentum.

Luka Doncic, who fouled out with four minutes remaining, finished with 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Boston's balanced attack and strong defensive effort.

The Celtics have now won 10 consecutive playoff games, setting a franchise record, and boast a 7-0 record on the road this postseason.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be played again in Dallas' American Airlines Center on Friday, where the Mavericks face a nearly insurmountable challenge as no team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.