Celtics

The Celtics come back to force the Pacers to the verge of losing in the playoffs

The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 36 points, overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-111 on Saturday, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals. Tatum also contributed 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown scored 24 points and Al Horford added 23 points with seven three-pointers.

The Celtics turned the game around by shutting down Indiana’s potent offense in the second half, setting the stage for a potential series-clinching win in Indianapolis on Monday.

“Closeout games are the hardest,” Tatum said, emphasizing that the Celtics can’t become complacent despite no NBA team ever rallying from a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle remained defiant, promising a fierce comeback effort. “We’re going to be undeterred, we’re going to be back here Monday night looking to extend the series and we’re going to come at them even harder,” Carlisle said, praising his team’s “courageous game.”

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Despite the absence of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who re-injured his left hamstring in Game 2, Indiana came out strong. Andrew Nembhard, stepping in as point guard, scored 32 points and delivered nine assists. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner each scored 22 points for the Pacers, who built an 18-point lead in both the second and third quarters.

A three-point play by Jrue Holiday, who was fouled on a driving layup and made the free throw, gave the Celtics a 112-111 lead with 38.9 seconds remaining. It was their first lead since early in the second quarter, and they held on, with Holiday making a crucial steal and two free throws to secure the win.

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“I saw the opportunity,” said Holiday, who was questionable due to illness but started the game. “I think Siakam was on his heels so I just attacked him and got the and-one.”

Without Haliburton, the Pacers’ offense still thrived, erasing an early nine-point deficit and dominating the second quarter to build their first 18-point lead. Nembhard scored 17 points in the second quarter alone, helping Indiana surge ahead with a 69-57 halftime lead.

Indiana extended their lead to 18 again in the third quarter, but Boston’s defensive adjustments allowed them to claw back into the game. Haliburton’s status for Game 4 remains uncertain, with coach Carlisle stating he would be reassessed before the game.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla noted that Haliburton’s absence initially threw off their game plan. “It took us a little while to figure out how we were going to match up with them in order to slow them down,” he said. “I felt like it was our defense, and I thought we took it to another level in the second half.”

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