The Boston Celtics overturned an 18-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers with a score of 114-111, securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals in a dramatic comeback.
The fourth game, set to take place in Indianapolis on Monday, presents a daunting challenge for the Pacers, as no team in NBA history has ever overturned a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven playoff series.
Despite missing their star guard Tyrese Haliburton due to a hamstring injury, the Pacers held a strong lead of 84-66 with just six minutes remaining in the third quarter. They maintained a lead of 109-101 with only two minutes and 39 seconds left in the final quarter.
However, the Celtics rallied to score 13 of the final 15 points of the game, clinching the victory. Jrue Holiday’s three-point play catapulted Boston into the lead at 112-111 with 38.9 seconds on the clock, marking their first lead since the early stages of the second quarter.
Holiday, a veteran of 15 NBA seasons, was a game-time decision, battling a fever that had him bedridden for most of the day. “I didn’t feel too well,” he admitted, despite contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals to the game. “But it’s Game Three of the Eastern Conference finals, and I wasn’t about to sit it out.”
Jayson Tatum led the scoring for the Celtics with 36 points, complemented by 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown added 24 points to the tally.
The victors of the Eastern Conference are set to face either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA finals, with Dallas currently leading their Western Conference series 2-0. The next game is scheduled for Sunday.
Reported By BBC Sports
