The Boston Celtics inch closer to the NBA Finals after a hard-fought win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With strong performances from their stars and key contributions from the bench, Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers—a position no team has ever come back from in NBA Playoff history.
Let’s break down how the Celtics got it done on Saturday night in Indianapolis and what it means for the rest of this series.
Game / News Breakdown
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw both teams coming in with vastly different levels of pressure. Boston was looking to tighten its grip on the series, while Indiana, without their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (out with a hamstring injury), needed a win to keep hope alive.
From tip-off, the Celtics dictated the pace. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the charge with their scoring and relentless attack, but Indiana hung tough. The Pacers moved the ball well and hit timely shots, keeping themselves within striking distance for most of the game.
But in the fourth quarter, Boston’s defense locked in. A few key stops and clutch buckets down the stretch sealed a 114-111 win for the Celtics. The game wasn’t pretty at times, but it was gritty—and it showed exactly why Boston is the top seed in the East.
Key Players & Performances
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Both teams had standout performances, but the Celtics’ stars rose when it mattered most.
– **Jayson Tatum** finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, showing once again why he’s one of the elite players in the league. Tatum’s poise in the clutch made the difference.
– **Jaylen Brown** added 24 points and was big in transition. His ability to attack Indiana’s defense kept their perimeter defenders guessing.
– **Derrick White** and **Jrue Holiday** also played big roles. White hit timely threes and played strong perimeter defense, while Holiday’s leadership kept the offense steady.
On the Pacers’ side:
– **Andrew Nembhard** stepped up in Haliburton’s absence. He dropped a career-high 32 points with 9 assists, showing excellent command of the offense.
– **Pascal Siakam** contributed 22 points and was aggressive all night, although Boston’s defensive pressure limited his efficiency in crunch time.
Without Haliburton, the Pacers lacked their primary playmaker, which ultimately made the difference in a close game.
Team Impact & Standings
The Celtics now hold a 3-0 series lead—a position that historically favors a sweep. In NBA history, no team has ever come back to win a series after trailing 3-0. Boston’s control on both ends of the floor, especially in the late-game moments, is why they’re undefeated so far in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
This win improves Boston’s postseason record to 11-2, underscoring their dominant playoff run. On top of that, they’re now just one victory away from their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.
For the Pacers, the loss not only puts them on the brink of elimination but also raises questions about how they’ll adapt without Haliburton—especially considering his playmaking is the engine of their offense.
What’s Next
Looking ahead:
– **Game 4** is scheduled for Monday night back in Indianapolis. The Pacers will try to avoid a sweep and extend their season, but their margin for error is gone.
– If Haliburton remains sidelined, the pressure will again fall on Nembhard and Siakam to create offense and carry the load.
– For Boston, the focus is simple: close things out and get some rest before an expected NBA Finals showdown against the Western Conference winner, likely the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Expect a tough, physical game. Indiana won’t quit, especially on their home court.
Conclusion
The Celtics are on the verge of another Finals run, and they’re doing it with balanced scoring, playoff experience, and a relentless defensive mindset. While the Pacers have shown heart and fight, Boston’s depth and star power have proven too much.
With Game 4 just around the corner, we’ll soon find out if Indiana has one more big performance in them—or if Boston will start packing for the NBA Finals.