"Good night, Dallas. You just got swept": Skip Bayless slams Mavericks' poor efforts as Celtics go 3-0 up
Skip Bayless slammed the Dallas Mavericks' poor efforts on both ends of the floor as the Boston Celtics gained a dominant 21-point lead as the fourth quarter kickstarted. Game 3 was supposed to be a chance for the hosts to wade their way back into the series and keep their chances of winning the 2024 NBA Finals alive, but Dallas was outplayed by a clinical Celtics unit, and Bayless was quick to point that out.
At the time of writing, Boston led 91-70 thanks to elite plays from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Bayless, who has been sharing his two cents on the game and earlier comparing the Mavs to their hometown NFL team, the Cowboys later added:
"Say goodnight, Dallas. You just got swept."
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving started strong for the Mavs and went on the offensive. Still, outside of the two and Doncic's lackluster efforts on the defensive end, Dallas found themselves overpowered as the game progressed. They had a slender 51-50 lead at halftime but were undone by Celtics who stormed their way back into the game.
Boston Celtics pull away to 3-0 after surviving Dallas Mavericks rally
Jaylen Brown rocketed to double digits after recording just six points in the first half, but the duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving willed their way back with big plays in the final quarter to cut down the 21-point deficit to a three-point game. But, that was as far as they could get as Boston's defense came to the fore again.
However, Doncic was fouled out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, and Irving's best game by far with 35 points went in vain as the Celtics managed to hang to a five-point lead.
Mavericks had the momentum and a vintage Irving performance wasn't enough as the hosts now return on Friday for a decisive Game 4 that may wrap up the proceedings in Boston's favor to win their 18th championship.
Tatum ended his evening with 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Doncic recorded 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists for the Mavericks before fouling out, while Irving had 35 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Both teams will meet again at the American Airlines Center on Friday (June 14) with tip-off slated for 8:30 pm ET.