INDIANAPOLIS — The Boston Celtics overcame an 18-point deficit, their largest of the postseason, to secure a thrilling 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jrue Holiday, recognized for his defensive prowess with an All-Defensive Second Team selection earlier this week, proved instrumental in the Celtics’ comeback, delivering crucial plays on both ends of the court in the game’s waning moments.
Celtics’ Defensive Backbone Shines Through
Holiday and fellow All-Defensive Second Team member Derrick White showcased their defensive mettle throughout the game, disrupting the Pacers’ offensive flow despite a significant size disadvantage. White, a 6-foot-4 guard, recorded four blocks, including a pivotal rejection of Myles Turner in the fourth quarter.
Holiday, known for his quick hands and anticipation, added three steals, with the most crucial coming in the final minute. With the Celtics clinging to a one-point lead, Holiday stripped Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard in transition, setting up the go-ahead basket.
Embracing the Challenge: Celtics Thrive Under Pressure
This game marked the second consecutive comeback victory for the Celtics, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the team’s growth, stating, “Being down 10 on the road in a playoff game should not be anything other than normalcy.”
The Celtics, who had seen limited “clutch time” minutes in the previous rounds, showcased their composure in the game’s final minutes, outscoring the Pacers in a tense back-and-forth affair.
Offensive Adjustments Secure the Win
While the Pacers’ switching defense initially posed challenges for the Celtics, Boston displayed their offensive versatility in the clutch. Al Horford, a key beneficiary of the Pacers’ defensive strategy, capitalized on mismatches, scoring a team-high 23 points, including a career-high seven 3-pointers.
Jayson Tatum, who finished with a game-high 36 points and eight assists, expertly navigated the Pacers’ defense, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His exceptional court vision and passing ability were on full display, particularly in the game’s deciding moments.
3-Point Disparity Proves Decisive
The Celtics’ reliance on the 3-pointer proved to be a significant factor in their victory. Despite shooting a below-average percentage from beyond the arc, Boston’s volume (46 attempts) dwarfed Indiana’s 22 attempts. The Celtics’ ability to generate open looks from long range, particularly Horford’s career night, proved too much for the Pacers to overcome.
Pacers’ Last-Gasp Effort Falls Short
Indiana, despite facing elimination, showcased their own resilience, battling back from a double-digit deficit in the second half. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle drew up a creative play for the game’s final possession, but Aaron Nesmith’s fadeaway 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short.
Looking Ahead: Celtics Eye Sweep
With the victory, the Celtics are now just one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Indianapolis, where the Celtics will look to complete the series sweep and punch their ticket to the championship round.
