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Celtics Eye East Finals Sweep, but Pacers Won’t Back Down
Pacers’ Determination
The Celtics are just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, but Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is adamant that his team won’t back down in Game 4. With a 3-0 deficit, the Pacers face a do-or-die situation, as no team in NBA playoff history has ever come back from such a deficit.
“We’re not going to be deterred,” Carlisle said about the uphill battle. “We’re going to be back here Monday night looking to extend the series, and we’re going to come at it even harder. We have to. We don’t have a choice. … Believe me, we are going after them.”
Celtics’ Closeout Opportunity
Meanwhile, the Celtics are laser-focused on closing out the series. Top-seeded Boston moved within one victory of advancing to the East finals for the second time in three seasons by rallying from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to secure a 114-111 road victory in Game 3 on Saturday.
“We’ve met every challenge,” Celtics star Jayson Tatum said. “We’re in a great position right now, one win away from the finals. But we can’t look past Monday or anything like that, and we have a special opportunity to go back to the finals.”
Injury Concerns
Indiana played without All-NBA third-team selection Tyrese Haliburton in Game 3 and may also be without him on Monday. Carlisle did not provide an injury update on Sunday. Haliburton injured his left hamstring in Game 2 and was sorely missed during the crucial moments of Game 3. Indiana led by eight with 2:38 to play before Boston closed with a decisive 13-2 burst.
Key Performances
Celtics point guard Jrue Holiday, who was ill most of the day, was pivotal in the final moments of Game 3. Holiday made a go-ahead three-point play with 38 seconds left and secured a key steal with 3.3 seconds remaining. He then added two free throws to finalize the score. Holiday, who wasn’t cleared to play until 45 minutes before tipoff, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Tatum also shined, posting 36 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Despite the late turnover, Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard delivered a career-high 32 points and nine assists, showcasing his growth and importance to the team. “It’s just one of those things where it was next guy up, and I think Andrew Nembhard took his game to another level tonight,” said Pacers reserve T.J. McConnell.
Outlook for Game 4
Indiana promises to put up another fight. “Closeout games are the hardest. … Never relax. It’s never over until it’s over,” Tatum stressed, underscoring the Celtics’ cautious approach. Carlisle remains steadfast, saying, “We came up a little short, but we will be back on Monday and we will be punching even harder.”
As the Celtics seek to secure their place in the finals and the Pacers fight to extend their season, Game 4 promises to be a thrilling contest full of intensity and determination.
