Boston Celtics Overcome 18-Point Deficit to Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
The Eastern Conference Finals was a thriller of a game that ended with the Boston Celtics edging out the Indiana Pacers 114-111, putting the Celtics on top 3-0. Putting up a performance of his lifetime till now, Jayson-Tatum is taking the Boston Celtics closer to the NBA Finals of the season and they showed the championship temperament at work.
Tatum’s Heroics Fuel Comeback
Jayson Tatum was shining bright for the Boston Celtics, scoring a total of 36 points, averaging 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, topped with 2 blocks. This was very crucial because he took and scored 12 out of 23 shots did not turn the ball over and contributed to reducing the Pacer’s lead. The Boston Celtics steadily fought back during the latter part of the game and managed to overtake the Pacers only in the last moments of the game.
One of the greatest passes in NBA history by Jayson Tatum. pic.twitter.com/33W6WEFB05
— Savage (@SavageSports_) May 26, 2024
Jrue Holiday’s Clutch Plays
Despite a high fever, Jrue Holiday made the right actions in the final minute of the game. This and-1 layup against Pascal Siakam put the Boston Celtics on top for the first time since the first quarter. Holiday then clinched the win by stripping the ball from Andrew Nembhard and then made two crucial free throws which made the Celtics’ margin three points with just 1.7 seconds remaining on the clock.
Jrue Holiday reflected on how this is just his second time in the ECF:
“I don’t take this for granted at all. It’s my 15th season, so to go to it twice, I know that JT and JB have been here too many times, but this is my second time, so I’m here, and I’m appreciative.” pic.twitter.com/ORrkLrS71Z
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 26, 2024
Pacers’ Valiant Effort Falls Short
Haliburton missed the game due to hamstring, but still, the Pacers had come forward to give a stiff competition. Andrew Nembhard played exceptionally well and scored 32 points and dished out 9 assists which is his best effort so far. Myles Turner, T.J. McConnell, and Pascal Siakam for the Pacers scoring over 20 points each made the game captivating. However, thanks to the intense pressure from the Boston Celtics the Cubans surrendered in the end.
Al Horford’s Historic Night
Unsurprisingly, Boston Celtics’ veteran Al Horford also stepped up in the game scoring 23 points and making a career-high seven three-pointers. In a playoff game, Horford was 37 years old, a playoff veteran, what made him even better was his shooting ability, in the game he set a record for the oldest NBA player to make 7 three-pointers in the game.
Al Horford (soon to be 38-years-old) is the oldest player in NBA history to make 7 threes in a playoff game: pic.twitter.com/h6MZlHV4Cj
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) May 26, 2024
Having won three games in a row, the Boston Celtics currently have a strong lead in the series. The Celtics are strong favorites to advance as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history. It is anticipated that Kristaps Porziņģis, who has been absent for the whole series, will come back, giving the Celtics more offensive strength and defensive capability.
Nembhard’s Outstanding Showing
Andrew Nembhard shined with a remarkable 32-point game early in his career. In spite of the defeat, his capacity to rise to the challenge of facing a strong Celtics defense showcases his potential and future position with the Pacers. Showing calmness and ability, Nembhard highlighted his importance to the team’s future by taking on the role of the main ball-handler while Haliburton was not playing.
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 and Pacers are scheduled to go head-to-head in Game 4 on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, where Boston will aim to complete the series sweep and secure their place in the NBA Finals.