Celtics’ Resilient Fourth-Quarter Comeback Puts Them on the Verge of NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics pulled off a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, putting them just one win away from the NBA Finals. Jaylen Brown, despite the excitement of the victory, acknowledged the challenge posed by the short-handed Pacers. He emphasized their pace and the pressure they applied on Boston, even without the injured Tyrese Haliburton.
Brown credited the Pacers for their performance, stating that some of their players seemed to transform into “f****** Michael Jordan or whatever.” The Celtics struggled to find answers for the first three quarters but kept pushing themselves in the final quarter, believing that the Pacers would eventually let them back into the game. Their perseverance paid off as they closed the gap with key plays from Brown and Jayson Tatum.
The thrilling comeback victory left Brown satisfied, as it put the Pacers against the wall. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in an NBA playoff series, making it highly unlikely that the Pacers will turn things around. Despite some doubting the Celtics’ ability to overcome the Pacers’ dribble penetration, Brown recognized the fight put up by their opponents. He acknowledged that the Pacers made a ton of shots and had the home crowd behind them.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are on the verge of a second trip to the finals in three seasons. They are one win away from competing for a championship against either Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s Mavericks or Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl Anthony-Towns’ Timberwolves. A matchup with Irving would bring back memories, both good and bad, for the Celtics. While Irving’s second season with the team was filled with turmoil, Tatum and Brown reached the conference finals the following season, setting up high expectations for this year.
The Celtics have had a dominant postseason run so far, with an 11-2 record and a plus-11.4 net rating. While some may argue that their path has been easier than others, Boston earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference through their strong regular-season performance. They have faced adversity with key players missing due to injuries but have managed to overcome every challenge. The physical endurance required in the NBA playoffs is part of what makes it such a demanding competition.
Game 3 against the Pacers was a close call for the Celtics. They had to navigate through defensive coverages to counter the Pacers’ dribble penetration. At one point, they were down by double digits, but they never lost belief and executed well in the crucial moments. Jrue Holiday’s go-ahead three-point play and game-clinching steal secured the win for Boston.
While the Celtics needed to dodge several obstacles in Game 3, their victory showcased their resilience and grit. Brown praised his team for their high-level execution and handling of adversity. He emphasized the importance of valuing every win and not getting comfortable, as they are now just one game away from returning to the finals.
The Celtics’ journey to the NBA Finals has been a testament to their determination and ability to overcome challenges. With their sights set on the ultimate prize, they must maintain their focus and continue playing as a team to close out the series against the Pacers and secure their spot in the finals.