The Boston Celtics are facing a daunting challenge on their path to the NBA Finals, as former Celtics star Kyrie Irving has been leading the charge for the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. In Game 3 on Sunday night, the Mavericks secured a commanding 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take a commanding 3-0 series lead at the American Airlines Arena.

Irving, who has been in exceptional form during the postseason, showcased his skills once again by scoring 33 points on an impressive 12-of-20 shooting. Alongside teammate Luka Doncic, Irving displayed efficient shot creation and proved to be a reliable second option for the Mavericks. This level of play from Irving is reminiscent of his standout performances during the 2016 NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Throughout his 15 postseason games in Dallas, Irving has exhibited stellar shooting, averaging 49 percent from the field and an impressive 44 percent from beyond the arc. Not only has he excelled offensively, but Irving has also demonstrated solid defensive skills, particularly in crunch time. In Game 3, he scored 14 crucial fourth quarter points and has contributed 31 points overall in the series during the final period.

Teammate Doncic heaped praise on Irving, calling him "Mr. Fourth Quarter" and highlighting his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Irving has embraced his role as the Mavericks' second option, pairing beautifully with Doncic to pose a formidable challenge for opposing teams.

For Celtics fans, Irving's exceptional performance stirs up bitter memories of his time in Boston. Despite high expectations, Irving failed to deliver in the postseason during his tenure with the Celtics, leaving behind a sense of disappointment. Now, as fate would have it, he stands as a significant obstacle in the Celtics' pursuit of their first NBA title in 16 years.

Irving's resurgence in Dallas after a disappointing stint in Brooklyn has breathed new life into the 5th-seeded Mavericks. His ability to rise to the occasion and his strong partnership with Doncic have catapulted the team to the brink of a Finals appearance, making Celtics fans acutely aware of what they missed out on.

As the Celtics progress relatively smoothly towards the NBA Finals, the looming matchup against the Mavericks promises to be a clash of star power and emotions. Irving's exceptional play has injected a dose of drama and intensity into the playoffs, setting the stage for an intriguing and potentially defining series.

In the coming weeks, both the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks hope to secure their tickets to the final dance. Celtics fans will be watching closely as their team faces their former star and prays that history does not repeat itself, this time with Irving dominating on the opposing side.