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Pacers Bank on Home Court Advantage Against Celtics in Game 3
Undefeated Home Record at Stake
The Indiana Pacers, flaunting an undefeated 6-0 home record in the NBA end of the season games, face a basic Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Gathering finals on Saturday in Indianapolis. The Pacers are down 2-0 in the series and may need to play without their star point watch, Tyrese Haliburton, who is recorded as problematic in the wake of harming his left hamstring in Game 2.
Haliburton’s Effect and Group Strength
Haliburton, an All-NBA third-group determination, supported the injury during the second quarter of Thursday’s 126-110 misfortune and didn’t return subsequent to leaving late in the second from last quarter. Recently, he missed 10 of 11 games because of a comparable physical issue. The Pacers dealt with a 6-4 record without him during that stretch, however the stakes are a lot higher now as they plan to stay away from a 3-0 series deficiency.
“This is a time for everyone to step up and take on bigger roles,” said Indiana guard T.J. McConnell. “We’ve done well without him before. It hurts when he goes down, but we have to adopt the ‘next man up’ mentality.”
Haliburton was critical in Game 1, scoring 25 focuses and doling out 10 aids a nearby 133-128 extra time misfortune. In Game 2, he contributed 10 focuses and eight helps before his exit, while Boston’s Jaylen Earthy colored captured everyone’s attention with a 40-point execution, matching his vocation season finisher best.
Home Court Advantage
Despite the adversity, the Pacers are confident in their home-court advantage. Indiana has won 11 consecutive home games, dating back to a regular-season loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 18.
“We have guys who understand how hard it is to win,” said Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. “We know we can bounce back. It’s time to dig deep and compete at the highest level in front of our fans.”
Brown’s Stellar Performance
Brown was outstanding in Game 2, hitting four 3-pointers and shooting 14 of 27 from the field. His presentation came a day after he was reprimanded from the All-NBA group, notwithstanding being a second-group pick last season.
“He cares about winning more than personal accolades,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “His motivation is driven by team success.”
Brown downplayed the All-NBA snub as a motivator. “We’re two games from the Finals,” Brown said. “I don’t have time to worry about that.”
While Jayson Tatum and Derrick White added 23 points each, Game 2 belonged to Brown. “He’s been outstanding,” said Boston guard Jrue Holiday. “He’s a great player and leader who takes things into his own hands. I’m glad to have him on my side.”
Brown has averaged 33 points in the series, but the challenge intensifies as the Celtics face a fervent Indianapolis crowd during a massive sports weekend, which includes the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
Pacers’ Optimism and Key Absences
“I know our building will be as loud and live as it’s ever been,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “It’s race weekend and everything else going on. We’ve got to take advantage of that.”
Boston will be without big man Kristaps Porzingis (calf) for the ninth straight game.
As the Pacers aim to leverage their home court and rebound from their losses, the energy and support of their fans could play a crucial role in evening the series against a formidable Celtics team.
