Celtics Comeback from 18 Points Behind and Win to Advance to the NBA Finals
On Saturday, the Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 114-111, overcoming an 18-point hole and being without their key player Tyrese Haliburton because of a muscular ailment. The Celtics now lead the series 3-0 and are only one victory away from making their second straight trip to the NBA Finals in three years.
With 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, Jayson Tatum led the way. Dominican forward Al Horford scored 23 points, including seven three-pointers, and made three important blocks. The Pacers gave it their all throughout the game, but their incredible effort was not enough to overcome the Celtics’ tenacity.
Boston will get their first opportunity to finish the series this Monday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where they hope to guarantee a trip to the NBA Finals. Boston has now won all five of their away games this postseason.
Following an unbeaten run of six games, this was the Pacers’ first home loss of the postseason. They were without Tyrese Haliburton, their leader, who was hurt in Game 2 of the series in his left thigh.