By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After playing ten games to eliminate the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers in earlier stages of the 2024 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel, the Boston Celtics are up 3-0 against the Indiana Pacers in the Finals of the Eastern Conference. They dug their way out of an 18-point hole in a 114-111 victory in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on the latest edition of NBA Saturdays.
Progressing toward a return, Latvian Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) remained on the injury list in Game 3 of a best-of-seven series. Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Portuguese Neemias Queta were available but did not play for the team coached by Joe Mazzulla.
Dealing with an illness and missing the morning shootaround, Jrue Holiday was cleared for action, becoming influential in Saturday’s win. A three-point play created the first lead for the C’s in 36 minutes with 38.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Following up with a clutch steal, the experienced point guard added two more free throws to seal the win.
“I am all right. I had a fever. Slept a lot. But I feel OK,” noted Holiday after scoring nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. He logged nine rebounds and three assists as well.
Jayson Tatum combined a game-high 36 points with ten rebounds. Jaylen Brown and Al Horford threw in 24 and 23 points, respectively.
Standing out for the home side, Andrew Nembhard had 32 points. Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined due to a left hamstring injury.