The Indiana Pacers faced a tough challenge without their All-NBA guard, Tyrese Haliburton, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Despite their valiant efforts, the Pacers succumbed to a 114-111 defeat, putting them in a 3-0 series deficit.
Haliburton’s Absence Felt
Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined due to a left hamstring injury, was a noticeable absence on the court. From the bench, he supported his teammates, but his leadership and playmaking skills were sorely missed. The presence of Haliburton could have provided the stability the Pacers needed, especially in the crucial moments of the second half.
Strong Performances from Nembhard and McConnell
Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell stepped up in Haliburton’s absence, making key shots and keeping the Pacers competitive. Nembhard, in particular, delivered a standout performance with a career-high 32 points, demonstrating his potential as a rising star. McConnell, known for his relentless energy, also played a crucial role off the bench.
TJ McConnell when Tyrese Haliburton doesn’t play: pic.twitter.com/ZVqFxFmsul
— Alterraun⚡ (@Hockfan445) May 26, 2024
Turner and Siakam Lead the Charge
Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam were instrumental in helping the Pacers build an 18-point lead. Turner dominated the post and controlled the glass, while Siakam provided a reliable scoring option. Their efforts gave Indiana hope against the top-seeded Celtics, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Pacers’ roster.
Celtics’ Comeback
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 36 points, methodically chipped away at the Pacers’ lead. Tatum’s performance, coupled with critical plays by Jrue Holiday, sealed the Celtics’ comeback. Holiday’s clutch and-1 play and his game-winning defensive strip of Nembhard in the final seconds were pivotal in Boston’s victory.
Pacers’ Undeterred Spirit
Despite the loss, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the team’s determination to fight back. “Our thing all year has been just to play at the level and bring everything you can and they did that,” Carlisle said. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to challenge the Celtics again in Game 4, whether or not Haliburton is available.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Indiana faces a daunting task, as no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit. However, the Pacers have already exceeded expectations this season by ending a playoff drought and advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2014. With their backs against the wall, they aim to extend the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Pacers will host the Celtics for Game 4 on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, hoping to draw strength from their home crowd and the resilience they’ve shown all season. “We’ve got another in front of us to go after these guys and, believe me, we are going to go after them,” Carlisle declared.
Indiana’s journey this postseason has been remarkable, and they will need to summon every ounce of grit and determination to continue their run against a formidable Celtics team.
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