NBA

Who are the referees for the 2024 NBA Finals game 3?

The pressure is on the Dallas Mavericks as they trail the best of seven series by 0-2 as the Texan capital is set to host Game 3.

MADDIE MEYERAFP

The Boston Celtics are on a roll as they look to claim their 18th NBA championship in franchise history that would permit fans to genuinely claim that the Beantown team are the best in history. As things stand both the Celtics and arch rivals LA Lakers have won 17 championships and the Celtics currently lead Dallas by 2-0 in the best of seven series.

Boston are in the driver’s seat based on league history, as 31 of 36 teams who had a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals went on to win it but were dealt a small body blow with the news that Latvian star Porzingis may miss Game 3 after sustaining an ankle injury in Game 2.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (R) of Latvia in acton against Dallas Mavericks CJ GUNTHEREFE

Game 3 in Texas

After back-to-back wins at the TD Garden, the series now heads to Texas and affords Dallas a chance to deliver some hope for Mavs fans who have seen the team lean heavily on the talent of Slovenian point guard Luka Doncic.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form despite wide reports that the player is still struggling with an ankle and knee injury. To make matters worse ahead of Game 2, ESPN reported that the player needed a cortisone injection to play through the pain being caused by a chest contusion with the Slovenian marked as ‘doubtful’ ahead of Wednesday’s game at the American Airlines Centre.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks ADAM GLANZMANAFP

Dallas fans look to Kyrie

Mavs fans are hoping that for the forthcoming games at the American Airlines Centre in Texas, Kyrie Irving can step up and show the quality that has graced much of the postseason campaign for Dallas. In the two games in Boston, Irving has managed just 14 points on a combined 13-for-37 shooting, including 0-for-8 from long range and if Dallas are to get back on track, they need greater impact and contribution for Kyrie.

Speaking to the media ahead of Game 3, the point guard acknowledged his shortcomings in the Finals so far: “They’re not going to stop pressing us, stop their pace, stop testing us on both ends of the floor,” Irving said. “We know what we’re in for. But now we have to raise it to an even higher level, and it starts with me.”

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) Peter CaseyUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

NBA Finals officials

The NBA Finals officials were recently confirmed by the NBA Referee Operations management team, with officials assessed following each round to determine their progress.

NBA Finals officials
Tony Brothers
Bill Kennedy
James Capers
Courtney Kirkland
Marc Davis
Kevin Scott
Scott Foster
Josh Tiven
John Goble
James Williams
David Guthrie
Zach Zarba

Confirmed Game 3 officials

Chief Crew: Marc Davis
Referee: James Capers
Umpire: Kevin Scott
Alternate: Ben Taylor
Replay Centre: Zach Zarba

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