The Indiana Pacers faced a tough challenge on their home court during Game 3 against the Boston Celtics, as star player Tyrese Halliburton was sidelined due to an injury sustained in the previous game. Despite this setback, the Pacers managed to take an 18-point lead midway through the third quarter, showcasing their resilience. However, the Boston Celtics gradually closed the gap through strong defense and strategic plays.
Jayson Tatum delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 36 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and providing 8 assists. Al Horford also stepped up, hitting a career-high 7 three-pointers, many of which came from Tatum's passes, and becoming the oldest player in playoff history to achieve this milestone. The game was a true testament to the Celtics' character and determination.
In the final minutes, Jrue Holiday made pivotal plays that secured the Celtics' first lead since the end of the 1st quarter, and ultimately, a 111:114 victory. Despite the impressive efforts of Andrew Nembhard, who set a career high with 32 points and 9 assists, and contributions from TJ McConnell (23 points, 9 rebounds), Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam (22 points each), the Pacers could not maintain their lead.
Jaylen Brown, who added 24 points for the Celtics, explained the team's comeback mentality. He commented on how the Pacers shot the ball exceptionally well, leading to moments where it seemed as if their players had transformed into 'f***ing Michael Jordan.' The Celtics, however, managed to stay close, gradually closing the gap.
No team has ever come back from a 3:0 deficit in the playoffs. However, if any team knows about comebacks, it's the Boston Celtics, who achieved a similar feat against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last year before losing in Game 7. Despite the challenging odds, Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle ended his press conference with a promise: 'Believe me when I tell you that we are coming for them.'
- Boston Celtics are now just 48 minutes away from reaching the NBA Finals, having taken a commanding 0:3 lead in the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. This victory marks a significant step towards their ultimate goal of capturing the championship title, especially in a game where they came back from a substantial deficit.
- The absence of Tyrese Halliburton was a significant blow to the Pacers, as his fitness for Game 4 remains uncertain. Despite this, the Pacers displayed remarkable effort, particularly in the performances of Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell. Al Horford's historic night and Jrue Holiday's clutch plays further underscored Boston’s determination and depth.
