The Boston Celtics Move Closer to Finals After Dominating Pacers in Game 3
The Boston Celtics took another step toward the NBA Finals with a confident 114-111 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night. The victory puts Boston up 3-0 in the series, just one game away from securing their second trip to the Finals in three seasons.
Despite a strong home-court crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana couldn’t close in crunch time, dropping a game they led for most of the fourth quarter. Boston’s poise and playoff experience once again proved critical when the pressure mounted.
Let’s dive into the key moments, standout performances, and what this means for both teams.
Game / News Breakdown
Saturday’s matchup was tight from start to finish, with 13 ties and 16 lead changes. Indiana played hard and held a narrow lead late in the fourth — even without their All-Star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the game due to a hamstring injury. But Boston’s depth, defense, and timely shot-making ultimately gave them the edge.
One of the game’s biggest turning points came in the final minute. With the score tied at 111, Jrue Holiday stripped Andrew Nembhard and turned it into a go-ahead layup. That clutch play, combined with Boston’s gritty team defense on the final possession, sealed the deal.
Key highlights:
– Celtics overcame a 9-point second-half deficit
– Indiana shot 57% from the field but had 14 turnovers
– Boston hit 16 three-pointers, including three in the final 5 minutes
It’s not often you steal a road playoff game when trailing late, but Boston showed why they’re the No. 1 seed in the East.
Key Players & Performances
Boston’s stars stepped up when it mattered most. The Celtics got strong performances across their lineup, but a few names stood out down the stretch:
– **Jayson Tatum**: Tatum posted 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was aggressive from the jump and hit multiple tough shots in the fourth.
– **Jaylen Brown**: Coming off his 40-point outburst in Game 2, Brown added 24 points tonight and hit clutch buckets to close out the tight win.
– **Jrue Holiday**: The veteran guard may not have been the scoring leader, but his game-winning steal and layup epitomized his two-way value.
For the Pacers, it was a balanced effort, but they clearly missed Haliburton’s playmaking in the final minutes:
– **Andrew Nembhard**: He carried the playmaking duties and delivered with 32 points and 9 assists. Despite the late turnover, he showed tons of heart.
– **Myles Turner**: The big man contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring Indiana’s interior presence.
Indiana hit tough shots all night, but they struggled in late-game execution — and the Celtics capitalized.
Team Impact & Standings
With this win, the Celtics take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Historically, no NBA team has ever come back from such a deficit in a best-of-7 series — putting Boston in firm control of their playoff destiny.
– Boston improves to 11-2 in the 2024 Playoffs
– This would be their second Finals appearance in three years if they close out the Pacers
– The Celtics have now won five straight games in these playoffs
For the Pacers, this loss is heartbreaking. They controlled much of the game and had their chances to win, even without their floor general. Indiana has shown incredible grit all postseason but now faces elimination.
– First East Finals appearance since 2014
– Tyrese Haliburton’s availability remains unclear heading into Game 4
Unless they pull off a miracle comeback, Indiana’s inspiring playoff run may soon come to an end.
What’s Next
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night, and it’s do-or-die for the Pacers. Boston will have a chance to sweep and rest up before the NBA Finals.
Key storylines to watch:
– Will Haliburton return for Game 4?
– Can Indiana find a way to close in the final minutes?
– Will Boston’s depth and composure once again carry them through?
The crowd in Indiana will no doubt bring the energy, but Boston has proven they can weather tough road conditions. If their stars continue to shine and their defense holds up, a sweep is within reach.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics showed championship-level poise in Game 3, taking control late and standing strong defensively. Their win on the road puts them one victory away from the NBA Finals.
Indiana gave a valiant effort without their star, but late-game turnovers and Boston’s experience proved to be the difference.
Game 4 is now must-watch basketball. The Celtics are hunting for the sweep, while the Pacers fight to keep their season alive.