Indianapolis, Indiana – The Boston Celtics are on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals following a remarkable comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After falling behind by 18 points in the second quarter due to defensive struggles, the Celtics managed to regain the lead late in the game and secured a 114-111 win, giving them a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The victory marked the Celtics’ fifth consecutive road win in the 2024 playoffs, while also handing the Pacers their first home loss of the postseason. Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston with a game-high 36 points, supported by strong performances from all five Celtics starters, including Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, who both scored in double figures.
Despite a valiant effort from Andrew Nembhard, who filled in for the injured Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and scored a team-high 32 points, it was not enough to overcome the Celtics’ balanced scoring attack. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner added 22 points each for the Pacers in a losing effort.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will have an opportunity to sweep the series and advance to the NBA Finals in Game 4 scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET in Indiana. The team’s strong performance in Game 3 was highlighted by key contributions from Tatum, who silenced his critics with an impressive 36-point performance, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities.
Additionally, Al Horford played a crucial role in the victory with his lights-out shooting from beyond the arc, making seven 3-pointers and finishing with 23 points. The Celtics’ defensive effort also improved significantly in the second half, as they limited the Pacers to just 38.3 percent shooting after a dominant first half display by Indiana.
With their sights set on clinching a spot in the NBA Finals, the Celtics will aim to maintain their momentum in Game 4 and close out the series in convincing fashion. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and execute on both ends of the court has put them in a prime position to achieve their ultimate goal of competing for an NBA championship.