Boston Celtics Display Grit in Narrow Game 3 NBA Finals Victory

The 2024 Boston Celtics have evolved into a formidable force after years of near-misses and playoff heartbreaks. This transformation culminated in a dramatic Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the Celtics demonstrated resilience and maturity, narrowly avoiding a collapse to secure a crucial win.

For nearly a decade, the Celtics have teased their potential, often advancing deep into the postseason only to fall short. Previous iterations of the team, despite their talent and versatility, lacked the cohesive maturity and playoff grit needed to seize the championship.

Historically, the Celtics have been haunted by their inability to handle high-stakes pressure. Painful memories include the 2022 series against the Miami Heat, where Jimmy Butler’s heroics and the weight of a historic comeback crushed Boston. Similarly, their 2022 NBA Finals Game 4 meltdown against Stephen Curry’s Warriors remains a sore point, as does their 2018 Game 7 loss to LeBron James in the Conference Finals.

But this year’s Celtics have turned a corner. Throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, they’ve consistently proven their mettle in clutch situations. Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks was a testament to their growth. Despite nearly squandering a 21-point lead, the Celtics held their nerve and showcased the poise that has defined their season.

Boston’s Clutch Transformation:

Regular Season Clutch Win Percentage: 63.6% (4th in NBA)

Regular Season Clutch Net Rating: +15.4 (4th in NBA)

Playoff Clutch Win Percentage: 100% (1st in NBA)

Playoff Clutch Net Rating: +46.9 (1st in NBA)

Key to this transformation has been the addition of Jrue Holiday, whose calm and strategic play at the point guard position has been a stark contrast to the erratic decision-making of past seasons. Alongside Holiday, Derrick White has emerged as a reliable ballhandler, further stabilizing the Celtics in critical moments.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla has also played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ resurgence. His emphasis on analytics and a three-point shooting strategy has optimized Boston’s offense, making it one of the most potent units in NBA history. This shift has been crucial in their ability to execute under pressure, consistently generating high-quality shots in clutch situations.

Boston’s Clutch Postseason Performances:

Game 4 vs. Cleveland: Held off a late push for a 109-102 win.

Game 1 vs. Indiana: Overcame a 5-point deficit in the final two minutes to win 133-128 in overtime.

Game 3 vs. Indiana: Rallied from an 8-point deficit in the last 2:38 for a 114-111 victory.

Game 4 vs. Indiana: Recovered from an 8-point deficit with under six minutes left to secure a 105-102 win.

Game 3 vs. Dallas: Withstood a furious comeback to close out with a 106-99 win.

In Game 3 of the Finals, the Celtics appeared to revert to old habits, allowing Dallas to chip away at their lead with a 22-2 run. Yet, as the game hung in the balance, Boston showcased their newfound resilience. 

They tightened their defense, stifling Dallas’ offense, and executed flawlessly on the offensive end, highlighted by Jaylen Brown’s clutch scoring and a pivotal three-pointer from Derrick White.

Celtics’ Near Collapse and Final Push:

Dallas’ Run (10:14 to 3:37): Outscored Boston 22-2, cutting the lead from 91-70 to 93-92.

Boston’s Response (3:37 to Final): Outscored Dallas 13-7, securing a 106-99 victory.

Final 3:37 Stats: Boston shot 4-6 FG and 4-4 FT, while Dallas managed only 2-7 FG and 3-4 FT.

This game encapsulates the Celtics’ journey. They have evolved from a team that faltered under pressure to one that thrives in it. With one more win, they are poised to cap off a season of redemption and finally capture the NBA title that has eluded them for so long.