The Dallas Mavericks fell short once again in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, with their 106-99 loss putting them in a 3-0 series hole ahead of Game 4. But for a point in time in Game 3, the Mavericks made a spirited rally from a 21-point deficit, and a clip of former Mavs teammates Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash celebrating quickly ended up going viral.

Early in the fourth quarter, Dallas found themselves down by 21 points, which seemingly put the game out of reach. They promptly responded with a 22-2 run to cut the deficit to one, and the fans at American Airlines Center were extremely fired up. That included Nowitzki, who elbowed Nash to get more excited, resulting in a hilariously strange response from the legendary point guard.

Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash's support not enough for Mavericks to win Game 3

Dallas Mavericks former player Dirk Nowitzki walks off the court after their loss against the Boston Celtics in game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

There were a handful of stars sitting courtside for this game, but Nowitzki and Nash were the two that fans were most fired up to see. And as Dallas made a valiant comeback attempt, they were getting just as hyped as every other fan in the building, even if it took Nash an extra nudge from Nowitzki to truly go crazy.

Unfortunately, their support wasn't enough to help Dallas get to the finish line. One point was as close as Dallas got to Boston, as they responded with a 13-7 run to close out the game. Of course, it didn't help how star guard Luka Doncic fouled out with just over four minutes left in the game, which stunted their momentum and allowed the Celtics to regain their composure.

Now, the Mavericks find themselves in a 3-0 series deficit, and they are at risk of getting swept in the Finals on their home court Friday night. Game 3 proved, though, that this team is going to fight until the final whistle, and you can bet that they are going to come out swinging in Game 4 with their season officially on the line.

In order for Dallas to extend their season, Doncic and Kyrie Irving are going to need a lot more help from their supporting cast. The duo combined for 62 of the Mavericks 99 points, and it felt like once Doncic fouled out, the game was over. Doncic and Irving obviously need to be great once again, but the rest of the team needs to find a way to combine for more than a mere 37 points as a team.

Maybe Nowitzki and Nash will be sitting courtside again in Game 4 in an effort to inspire Dallas, but that proved to not be enough in Game 3. Nash may have to be a bit more into the game in order for his presence to help out the Mavs, but either way, it will be worth keeping an eye out for these two legends to see if they are back in attendance once Game 4 gets underway on Friday night.