Kyrie Irving’s 35-point performance in Game 3 marked a return to form for the star guard, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Boston Celtics from taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Jaylen Brown acknowledged Irving’s efforts, admitting that it was a “vintage” performance but emphasized that it wasn’t sufficient to change the outcome of the game.
“Kyrie was great tonight. That was a vintage Kyrie performance, it just wasn’t enough.” (0:50)
After struggling in the first two games of the series, Irving finally showed up for the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic. However, the Celtics’ star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way to a 106-99 victory.
Irving’s stat line of 35 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 13-of-28 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Despite this, the Mavericks still fell short.
Irving’s struggles in the first two games, where he combined for only 28 points on 13-of-37 shooting and missed all eight of his three-point attempts, were a significant factor in Dallas’ early losses.
In the Finals so far, Irving is averaging 21.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds on 40.0% shooting from the field and 28.6% from downtown. For the Mavericks to have any hope of making a comeback, Irving will need to maintain his Game 3 performance.
The Mavericks nearly staged an incredible comeback, cutting a 21-point deficit to just one with 3:37 remaining. However, Luka Doncic fouled out with over four minutes left, hampering Dallas’ chances. Without Doncic, the Mavericks were outscored 13-7, ending their hopes of a comeback victory.
Boston’s resilience, led by Tatum and Brown, was crucial. Tatum had his best performance of the Finals, scoring 31 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Brown added 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Their combined efforts proved too much for the Mavericks.
With a 3-0 series lead, the Celtics are now on the brink of their 18th NBA title. The Mavericks, facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit, will need to pull off a historic comeback to keep their championship hopes alive. Game 4 in Dallas is a win-or-go-home situation for the Mavericks, who must find a way to rally behind their star duo of Irving and Doncic.
Jaylen Brown Deserves To Win Finals MVP
As the Boston Celtics inch closer to their 18th championship title, the contributions of Jaylen Brown have been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted in 2017, Brown, alongside his teammate Jayson Tatum, who was drafted in 2018, has grown from a promising rookie into one of the cornerstones of the Celtics franchise.
Now, as they stand on the brink of their first NBA title together, it’s clear that Brown deserves to be recognized with the Finals MVP award.
Throughout the Finals, Brown has been a consistent force, averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. His performance has been pivotal in both the offensive and defensive schemes of the Celtics, showcasing his versatility and reliability under pressure. Comparatively, his overall playoff averages of 24.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists highlight his sustained excellence throughout the postseason.
Jayson Tatum, while also putting up impressive numbers with 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in the Finals, and overall playoff averages of 25.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, has had moments of inconsistency.
In contrast, Brown has been the steady hand, leading the charge and often stepping up in crucial moments. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations was further evidenced when he was awarded the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, a testament to his clutch performances and leadership.
While both Brown and Tatum have been integral to the Celtics’ success, Brown’s consistency and impact on both ends of the floor give him a slight edge in the Finals MVP race. His defensive prowess, coupled with his offensive contributions, has made him a formidable opponent and a key reason for the Celtics’ dominant run.
In a series where every game and every play matters, Jaylen Brown has consistently delivered. His performance has not only elevated his status within the team but also cemented his place as one of the premier players in the league.
As the Celtics prepare to celebrate what could be their 18th championship, awarding the Finals MVP to Jaylen Brown would be a fitting recognition of his invaluable contributions and leadership throughout the series.
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