Watch: Scorching third-quarter shooting gives Celtics commanding lead in Game 3

The Celtics made their first eight shots of the third quarter and outscored the Mavericks 35-19 in the period. Fifteen of those points came from Jaylen Brown, who also added three assists in a spectacular quarter. When the dust settled, the Celtics led 85-70. 

Brown and Jayson Tatum took turns delivering dimes to one another, while Tatum scored seven in the third. With all the discussion after Game 1 about whether Brown or Tatum was Boston's best player, the answer is that the two players might be the NBA's best duo. 

Brown also showed that the vaunted backcourt of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic has no chance at stopping him on defense.

But the scorching offense was a result of Boston's stifling defense, which inspired Mavericks coach Jason Kidd to play Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber to goose the offense. Neither one had scored through three quarters, while getting burnt on the defensive end. Like when Hardaway's blocked layup led to a fast break the other way.

If the Mavs had kept the lead to single digits, they may have had a chance. But Boston's relentless third-quarter scoring put Game 3 — and perhaps these NBA Finals — out of reach.