Celtics Erase 18-Point Deficit To Secure 3-0 Lead In Eastern Finals
Jrue Holiday delivered a crucial three-point play with 38 seconds left on the clock and followed it up with a game-saving steal, propelling the Boston Celtics to a 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This win, achieved after overcoming an 18-point deficit, gives the Celtics a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. The Celtics are now one win away from securing their second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons, with Game 4 set for Monday in Indianapolis.
Jayson Tatum was instrumental in the victory, matching his playoff career high with 36 points, alongside 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, while Al Horford added 23 points, including seven three-pointers. This win marks Boston's sixth consecutive playoff victory and improves their road record to 5-0.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a career-high 32 points. Despite being questionable before the game due to illness, Holiday's defensive prowess shone through when he stole the ball from Nembhard with just 3.3 seconds remaining, sealing the Celtics' win. Indiana had an opportunity to tie the game, but Aaron Nesmith's three-pointer missed its mark.
T.J. McConnell also had a strong performance for Indiana, scoring 23 points along with nine rebounds and six assists. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam each added 22 points for the Pacers. The absence of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined due to a left hamstring injury, was keenly felt as Indiana suffered its first home loss in seven postseason games.
The fourth quarter saw both teams combining for six three-pointers. Horford’s seventh three-pointer of the night brought Boston within two points at 111-109 with just over a minute to play. Holiday then converted his three-point play to give the Celtics their first lead since early in the second quarter.
HOLIDAY SZNNN pic.twitter.com/ejLH72bvAS
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 26, 2024
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