With just one second left in the first quarter, Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White sprinted down the court and passed the ball to all-NBA star Jayson Tatum, who made an electrifying slam dunk, hanging on the rim as the crowd roared.

Down by 13 points only a few minutes into the game, the Celtics had dramatically closed the gap to trail by just one point, igniting the crowd at the Town MV in Edgartown.

Celtics Claim Third Consecutive Win

Last night, the Boston Celtics secured their third consecutive win against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Islanders and tourists alike gathered in bars and restaurants to watch the Celtics inch one step closer to their record-setting 18th NBA championship. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as fans celebrated each thrilling moment.

Everett Hazelton, watching the game at the Wharf Pub in Edgartown, expressed his unwavering confidence in the team. “I don’t know how they could lose,” he told the Gazette. “They’ve just got to keep doing what they’re doing. There’s no weak point. It’s ridiculous. They’re unbelievable.”

Game Night Festivities

At the Town, server Camilla Tamargo donned a Celtics jersey, adding to the festive atmosphere. “We get a good bunch of people… it’s our year-round crowd with a few more peppered in,” she said.

Regular attendees like Stephan Sha and Dylan Maulucci, both employees at the Edgartown Golf Club, joined coworkers for their usual Wednesday night outing to watch the game. Mr. Sha, a lifelong Lakers fan from Beijing, shared his temporary allegiance. “As long as I’m in New England, I have the Celtics’ back,” he said. 

Mr. Maulucci, from Buffalo, New York, has been a Celtics fan since childhood. He predicted the Celtics’ success in game three, provided team star Jayson Tatum could step up.

Faith in the Celtics

Bill Camarda, who was on the Island for a few days, watched the game at the Wharf. A dedicated Celtics fan, he believed in the team’s potential as long as they stayed focused and didn’t play down to the competition. Reflecting on game one, where the Celtics initially fell behind but ultimately triumphed, Mr. Camarda said his faith had been renewed. “The Celtics of old would’ve caved… That made me think: we can do this,” he said. Confident in their abilities, he predicted a 4–0 sweep against the Mavericks.

The Roller Coaster of Game Three

Game three exemplified the Celtics’ unpredictable playstyle. Throughout the night, they alternated between strong leads and risky underperformance.

Despite entering the fourth quarter with a solid lead, they went seven-and-a-half minutes scoring only two points, allowing the Mavericks to narrow a 20-point deficit to just a single free throw. However, the Celtics ultimately prevailed with a 106–99 victory, validating the faith of fans like Mr. Camarda.

Unwavering Belief in Victory

Islander Ben Williams expressed confidence in a series sweep. “We’re too deep and too hungry of a team to let it go,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Everett Hazelton declared, “2024—it’s calling.” The determination and resilience of the team were evident, and fans’ belief in their championship potential remained strong.

The Celtics’ Playoff Performance

The Celtics’ journey through the NBA Finals has been thrilling for their die-hard supporters and has captured the interest of casual viewers and tourists. Their ability to rally from significant deficits and secure tight victories showcases their skill and tenacity. 

Jayson Tatum’s leadership and standout performances have been crucial, while Derrick White’s playmaking and the team’s depth have provided essential support.

The Power of Fan Support

The energy and passion of the fans, both local and visiting, have been vital to the Celtics’ success. The lively atmosphere in bars and restaurants during games reflects the dedication of the Celtics’ fanbase, creating an environment that motivates the players. 

This community of supporters has been instrumental in fueling the team’s drive to win.

Anticipation of a Historic Victory

As the Celtics move closer to their goal of winning the 18th NBA championship, excitement continues to build. The prospect of making history adds to the intensity of each game. 

For fans, this journey is about more than just winning; it’s about being part of a legacy and witnessing a team that embodies the spirit and resilience of Boston.

The Final Push

In the remaining games, the Celtics must maintain their focus and continue playing with the same determination that has brought them this far. The unwavering support of their fans will be a crucial factor as they strive to clinch the championship. 

With each game, belief in their ability to achieve greatness grows stronger, making the dream of an 18th title ever more tangible.

An Unforgettable Experience

For Islanders and tourists who have joined this journey, the experience has been unforgettable. The sense of community and shared excitement has brought people together, creating lasting memories of this historic run. 

As the Celtics edge closer to victory, the cheers will grow louder, and the celebrations more jubilant as Boston stands on the brink of another monumental achievement in its storied sports history.

The information is taken from ABC News and Yahoo News