Dante Exum dunk: Mavericks guard throws it down on Celtics star Jayson Tatum in Game 3 of 2024 NBA Finals

Gilbert McGregor

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Dante Exum dunk: Mavericks guard throws it down on Celtics star Jayson Tatum in Game 3 of 2024 NBA Finals image

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.

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.

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.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.