Dante Exum is working to make his presence felt in the 2024 NBA Finals.
While the Mavericks have started the series on a rough note, Exum has provided quality minutes off the bench. In Game 3, he got on the board in emphatic fashion, electrifying Dallas' home crowd in the process.
Late in the first quarter, Exum needed just two dribbles to get to the rack where he was met by Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum attempted to make a play on the ball but was a step too late, setting up a big highlight for Exum.
MORE: Key stats, highlights from Mavericks-Celtics in Game 3 of NBA Finals
Dante Exum dunk on Jayson Tatum
Exum's dunk was a showstopper. Coming off of a screen from Luka Doncic, Exum had a big driving lane, which served as a runway for his next feat.
At 6-5, Exum is a few inches shorter than Tatum, adding some difficulty to the finish.
"DANTE EXUM... EXCLAMATION POINT!"#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2024
🏆 Game 3 on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TJ01gfCpZS
ESPN's Mike Breen, who has seen a highlight or two throughout his illustrious career, was certainly impressed by Exum's finish. An alternate angle shows just how impressive Exum's dunk actually was.
Dante Exum's HAMMER from inside the arena 🔨 https://t.co/OX2hdSf1JR pic.twitter.com/gLWXSz6ab3
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2024
Exum's play in the NBA Finals continues an impressive season for the former lottery pick, who, after spending the last two seasons in Europe, has returned to be an impactful player in the NBA.
If the Mavericks were to crawl out of a 2-0 series deficit in the NBA Finals, Exum's impact off the bench will certainly play a large role.
