Game 3 Showdown: Can Mavs Find Life at Home vs Boston?

By: Matteo Ametrano

The Mavericks host the Celtics tonight in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics took care of business, winning Games 1 and 2 on their home court. However, the series is far from over, and things could certainly get interesting, especially with the latest Kristaps Porzingis injury news.

Porzingis' injury might be a setback for the Celtics, but they have overcome such challenges throughout the playoffs.

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic need to step up for the Mavericks to have any chance of extending this series. The Mavericks reached the Finals on the backs of Doncic and Irving’s offensive brilliance, which has been missing in the first two games. While Doncic hasn’t been bad at scoring, he has 12 turnovers and 12 assists in the Finals. His eight turnovers in Game 2 were partly due to the Celtics' defensive pressure, but he also made questionable passes and decisions. The Mavericks will continue to struggle offensively if Doncic’s turnovers persist. The Celtics have also effectively shut down the lob threats that worked so well for the Mavericks earlier these playoffs. Doncic is banged up, but hopefully, being at home will give him a boost tonight.

The Mavericks have had a hard time shooting threes, with Kyrie Irving leading this struggle. He is yet to make a three-pointer in the Finals, going 0/8 in the first two games. Irving needs to find his three-point shot and offensive game to secure a win at home tonight. A change of venue might help him play more freely and confidently.

In the playoffs and Finals, role players often perform better at home. If the Mavericks can get more contributions from their depth, such as Jaden Hardy or Derrick Jones Jr., it would be huge. Especially if they can make some threes off the bench. With the volume of shots the Celtics take, the Mavericks need to make more shots in Game 3 to stay competitive.

Can the Mavericks take advantage of Porzingis' absence?

• Yes; Mavs get life!
• No; Celtics inch closer to Banner 18

The Celtics for the first time these playoffs are underdogs. We will see if the Mavericks can take advantage of the home court, and the absence of Kristaps Porzingis.