Celtics take commanding 3-0 lead in East Finals with Holiday’s strong finish against Pacers

In a stunning turn of events, Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics overcame illness to lead his team to a thrilling 114-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Despite feeling unwell all day and even missing the morning shootaround, Holiday stepped up when it mattered most.

With just under a minute left in the game, Holiday converted a crucial three-point play to give the Celtics their first lead in nearly 36 minutes. He then followed it up with a game-saving steal and sealed the victory with two free throws. Holiday finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Holiday’s heroics helped the Celtics overcome an 18-point deficit in the second half, putting them in a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Jayson Tatum also had a standout performance, scoring 36 points and contributing 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, while veteran Al Horford chipped in with 23 points, including seven three-pointers.

Despite the Pacers’ valiant effort, led by Andrew Nembhard’s career-high 32 points, they fell short in the final moments. The absence of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton due to injury further complicated Indiana’s task.

As the Celtics look to secure their second NBA Finals trip in three years with another win in Game 4, Holiday’s resilience and clutch play have solidified his place as a key player in Boston’s quest for championship glory. The Pacers, on the other hand, remain determined to bounce back and make a statement in the next game, setting the stage for an intense showdown on Monday.