The Boston Celtics Take Commanding 3-0 Lead Over Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals
The Boston Celtics are now just one win away from their second NBA Finals appearance in three years. On Saturday night, they took care of business on the road with a clutch 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It wasn’t easy — the Pacers came out swinging — but Boston’s resilience down the stretch proved too much for Indiana to handle.
Let’s break down how the Celtics pulled off a pivotal Game 3 win and what it means moving forward.
Game / News Breakdown
The game had a physical, playoff-style intensity from the opening tip. Indiana, without their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (out with a hamstring injury), jumped out to an early lead behind a scrappy team effort and loud home crowd support.
The Pacers led for most of the first half, with Andrew Nembhard running the offense effectively and Myles Turner protecting the rim. Boston struggled early from deep but kept themselves in it with hustle plays and second-chance points.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter. Boston clamped down defensively, forcing Indiana into tough, contested shots. They also started generating offense from their defense — pushing the pace off turnovers and finally finding rhythm in half-court sets.
With under one minute remaining and the game tied, Jaylen Brown buried a corner three to give Boston a lead they wouldn’t surrender. On the final possession, Indiana had a shot to tie, but Jrue Holiday stripped Nembhard as time expired, sealing the win.
Key Players & Performances
Several Celtics stepped up when it counted most:
– **Jaylen Brown**: He led the team with 29 points, showing poise and killer instinct. His clutch three-pointer late in the fourth gave Boston breathing room just when they needed it.
– **Jayson Tatum**: Though he was quiet in the first half, Tatum turned it up late and finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. He attacked mismatches and got to the line consistently.
– **Al Horford**: The veteran big man didn’t light up the stat sheet but was vital defensively. He hit key perimeter shots and provided solid rim protection.
– **Derrick White**: His on-ball defense and off-ball movement were crucial, especially during Boston’s final-quarter run.
For the Pacers:
– **Andrew Nembhard**: A bright spot for Indiana, he played one of his best games with Haliburton out. He finished with 32 points and 9 assists, controlling tempo and making big shots until the final seconds.
– **Myles Turner**: He added 22 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor, but struggled late as Boston ramped up physicality.
– **T.J. McConnell**: Provided energy off the bench, scoring 10 points with 5 assists. His hustle plays helped keep Indiana in it.
In the end, the absence of Haliburton was too much to overcome. Indiana needed everything to go right to beat a full-strength Celtics team, and despite a valiant effort, they fell just short.
Team Impact & Standings
Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals — a position no team has ever blown in NBA playoff history (teams leading 3-0 are 154-0 in series all-time).
The Celtics are showcasing why they were the No. 1 seed in the East:
– They’ve won 5 straight playoff games.
– Their defense has tightened up each game.
– They’re getting contributions across the roster, not just from stars.
For Indiana, the odds are steep. The Pacers showed heart but now face elimination. Their second-round win over the Knicks was already a season highlight, especially after progressing past the Play-In Tournament. But with Haliburton uncertain, their run looks likely to end soon.
What’s Next
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Indianapolis, and all eyes will be on whether the Pacers can extend the series or if Boston will clinch a sweep and rest ahead of the NBA Finals.
Key storylines to watch:
– Will Tyrese Haliburton return?
– Can Boston avoid a letdown and keep up their defensive intensity?
– Will Indiana find a way to slow down Boston’s balanced attack?
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
Conclusion
The Celtics are showing the composure and chemistry of a championship-caliber team. Saturday’s Game 3 victory wasn’t just about talent — it was about grit, adjustments, and timely execution. They’re now in complete control of the series.
Game 4 presents the Pacers’ last stand, but Boston is knocking on the door of the NBA Finals. Barring a historic collapse, the East looks like it belongs to the Celtics.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Eastern Conference Finals continue to unfold.