The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, erased an 18-point deficit to secure a dramatic 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. The shorthanded Pacers, missing star player Tyrese Haliburton, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
Tatum Shines in Comeback Win
Jayson Tatum was the hero for the Celtics, scoring 36 points along with 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks. His performance was pivotal in the Celtics’ relentless second-half push. Despite trailing by 18 points, Boston chipped away at the Pacers’ lead, showcasing their resilience and determination.
JAYSON TATUM BEHIND THE BACK PASS FOR AN AL 3 pic.twitter.com/4L4mticQE1
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 26, 2024
Key Plays Seal the Victory
The Celtics’ comeback was sealed by Jrue Holiday, who, despite battling an illness, made critical plays in the final moments. Holiday’s and-1 play through contact from Pascal Siakam gave Boston the lead, and his defensive prowess was on display as he stripped Andrew Nembhard in the game’s dying seconds, preventing a potential game-winning shot.
Horford’s Historic Performance
Veteran Al Horford also made history, scoring 23 points and hitting a career-high 7 three-pointers. At 37, Horford became the oldest player in NBA history to make seven three-pointers in a playoff game, underscoring his invaluable contribution to the Celtics’ success.
Pacers’ Gallant Effort Falls Short
The Pacers, playing without Haliburton, saw standout performances from Andrew Nembhard, who scored a career-high 32 points, and contributions from Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and T.J. McConnell. Despite their efforts, the Pacers could not withstand the Celtics’ late-game surge.
Looking Ahead
With a 3-0 lead, the Celtics are on the brink of advancing to the NBA Finals. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series, making Boston’s position strong. Game 4 is set for Monday, where the Celtics will look to complete the sweep and advance.
The Pacers, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to extend the series. Nembhard’s impressive performance in Game 3 highlights his potential, offering hope for the future despite the immediate challenge.
Andrew Nembhard the next Jalen Brunson? 👀
32 pts | 4 reb | 9 ast | 4/7 3pt | 12/21 fg | -4
Before Jalen Brunson left to New York he played second fiddle to Luka Doncic. Are we seeing the same story play out with Andrew and Haliburton?
— Digits Sports App (@Digits3App) May 26, 2024
The Celtics’ thrilling comeback against the Pacers showcases their championship mettle. With Tatum and Horford leading the way, and critical plays from Holiday, Boston is in prime position to reach the NBA Finals. The Pacers’ spirited effort, led by Nembhard, will be a cornerstone for their development as they look to rebuild and strengthen their roster in the offseason.
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