Jayson Tatum and the Celtics are on the brink of securing their 18th title after a thrilling Game 3 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center. Despite analysts dubbing the Mavericks as Boston's toughest challenge following an easy path through the Eastern Conference, the Celtics have dominated Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the Mavericks squad through the first three games of the NBA Finals.
Here's why you should be excited:
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Historic Road Wins: Boston is now tied for the second-most consecutive road wins in NBA history with nine. If they win on Friday, they'll join the 2001 Lakers as the only teams to go 8-0 on the road during a playoff run.
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Playoff Records: With a 15-2 record, the Celtics are in a four-way tie for the fifth-best playoff record ever. A victory on Friday would elevate them to fourth, trailing only the legendary 2017 Warriors, 2001 Lakers, and 1983 76ers.
“I didn’t know that,” Tatum remarked when informed about the Celtics’ historic standings. “That would be really cool. But you know, you guys will probably say we didn’t play anybody to get here. So we’ll just have to do it again next year.”
Despite the potential for making history, Tatum remains laser-focused on Game 4 against a desperate Mavericks team. Drawing from last year's experience of nearly overcoming a 3-0 deficit against the Heat, Tatum understands the importance of maintaining focus. “Honestly, not too difficult from the standpoint of last year we were down 0-3 in the Conference Finals,” Tatum said. “We really felt like we were going to come back. We almost did. You know, we were a sprained ankle away from having like a real shot."
“So, you know, we are not relaxing or anything like that. You know, not even focusing on winning or Friday or whatever. However long it takes, that’s our motto. However long it takes, that’s what it’s going to take, and nobody is not trying to relax at all.”
Catch the Celtics in action for Game 4 against the Mavericks on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Center. Will they make history? Don't miss it!
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