The Boston Celtics find themselves on the cusp of NBA Finals glory, just one win away from securing their spot for the second time in three years. Their dramatic come-from-behind victory against the Indiana Pacers exemplifies the Celtics’ resilience and determination, solidifying their reputation as one of the strongest contenders in recent memory. With key Eastern Conference rivals like the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks grappling with injuries, the Celtics have emerged as prime candidates to represent the East in the NBA Finals.
Adding to their momentum, the Celtics received a significant boost when it was announced that Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton would be sidelined for Game 3 due to a left hamstring injury sustained in Game 2. Despite the absence of their star player, the Pacers initially controlled a significant portion of the matchup, keeping the Celtics on their toes until the tide turned in Boston’s favor late in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics methodically chipped away at Indiana’s lead, knowing they needed a pivotal shot to turn the tide in their favor. That moment arrived in the game’s waning seconds when Celtics guard Jrue Holiday drained a clutch three-pointer with just 0.38 seconds remaining. Holiday’s timely shot swung the momentum in Boston’s favor, and he followed it up by forcing a turnover from Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard as he brought the ball up the court. Holiday’s defensive play sealed a hard-fought 114-111 victory for the Celtics over the Pacers.
Boston’s resilience was fully displayed as they rallied from an 18-point deficit in Saturday’s matchup. A key factor setting the Celtics apart from Indiana in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals is their wealth of veteran experience. With the core of their roster essentially unchanged since the playoffs in the bubble, the Celtics’ seasoned lineup proved invaluable in crunch time. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a stellar performance, tallying 36 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown added 24 points to the scoreboard.
Al Horford was instrumental in the Celtics’ victory, contributing 23 points, including an impressive seven three-pointers. Horford’s sharpshooting prowess saw him tie an NBA record for the most threes made by any player in the last ten postseasons. Meanwhile, Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard led all scorers for his team with an impressive 32 points, marking a career-high for the former Gonzaga Bulldog. T.J. McConnell also made significant contributions with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his versatility on the court. Additionally, big man Myles Turner demonstrated his value to the Pacers’ future, tallying 22 points and 10 rebounds in a standout performance.
What Lies Ahead?
Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals is set to take place on Monday in Indianapolis. It represents the Pacers’ last chance to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Boston Celtics. A win in Game 4 would secure Boston’s ticket to the NBA Finals, further solidifying their status as Eastern Conference contenders.
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