Celtics Hold On, Mount Comeback To Defeat Pacers
The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, 114-111, at Gainbridge FieldHouse on Saturday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics lead the series 3-0.
The Celtics could’ve easily experienced a different outcome for this game, as the Pacers would’ve won this had they had more experience in closing things out. However, and even though Indiana deserves credit for pushing Boston to the brink of a loss, just like in Game 1, the Celtics simply found a way to win. The Celtics looked competitive in the first quarter and raced to a 32-31 lead, but the Pacers responded with a 38-25 score that flipped the game entirely. Indiana’s 12-point lead at the break got reduced to nine points by the time the third quarter ended, but they still looked in the driving seat for most of the game. However, some timely shots from the Celtics, clutch defense from Jrue Holiday and several mistakes from the Pacers put them in this situation. Game 4 will be played Monday and the Pacers will try to extend the series for one more game.
Jayson Tatum had 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Saturday. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, three assists and two boards. Al Horford stepped up with 23 points, five rebounds and three blocks while going 7-for-12 from deep. Jrue Holiday notched 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick White posted 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four blocks.
Andrew Nembhard had the game of his career for the Pacers and his efforts were not enough, as he ended with 32 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam each had 22 points. Turner also grabbed 10 rebounds, while Siakam added six assists and three boards. T.J. McConnell finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists off the bench.
The Celtics could’ve easily experienced a different outcome for this game, as the Pacers would’ve won this had they had more experience in closing things out. However, and even though Indiana deserves credit for pushing Boston to the brink of a loss, just like in Game 1, the Celtics simply found a way to win. The Celtics looked competitive in the first quarter and raced to a 32-31 lead, but the Pacers responded with a 38-25 score that flipped the game entirely. Indiana’s 12-point lead at the break got reduced to nine points by the time the third quarter ended, but they still looked in the driving seat for most of the game. However, some timely shots from the Celtics, clutch defense from Jrue Holiday and several mistakes from the Pacers put them in this situation. Game 4 will be played Monday and the Pacers will try to extend the series for one more game.
Jayson Tatum had 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Saturday. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, three assists and two boards. Al Horford stepped up with 23 points, five rebounds and three blocks while going 7-for-12 from deep. Jrue Holiday notched 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick White posted 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four blocks.
Andrew Nembhard had the game of his career for the Pacers and his efforts were not enough, as he ended with 32 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam each had 22 points. Turner also grabbed 10 rebounds, while Siakam added six assists and three boards. T.J. McConnell finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists off the bench.