Heading into Game 3 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, the series was considered over by most fans and analysts. After explosive play from some unlikely heroes, the Pacers nearly pulled out a miraculous win at home, to avoid an 0-3 hole, but a late rally from the Celtics put the game away and sealed the Pacers’ fate with a final score of 112-111.
#CelticsWin pic.twitter.com/Oy1iuxC6Uq
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 26, 2024
A win is a win for the Celtics but fans were left feeling unimpressed with their performance. For a team that’s had it so easy in the postseason, the Celtics did not look prepared for the explosion of Andrew Nembhard, who finished with 32 points in place of Haliburton. Had certain players not gotten hot in the final minutes, the result likely would have been very different.
Celtics fans after having to mount a 20pt comeback to beat Andrew Nembhard pic.twitter.com/AEcvudavTY
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 26, 2024
Tatum had to hear scrutiny and doubts about his game for weeks but he gave them a reason to believe tonight after dropping 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists on 52% shooting. After a disappointing showing in Game 2, he stepped up and carried them when they needed it most.
Respect Jayson Tatum you fucking losers
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) May 26, 2024
Tatum’s games just aren’t as in your face as other stars. He dominated all game and it doesn’t even feel like it. That behind-the-back pass was insane and instantly a career highlight for him considering time and situation
— Cousin Larry OB ☘️🏆 (@AndrewDoxy) May 26, 2024
While some hailed the victory as the high point of their season, others are struggling to forget how easy their path has been so far. The Celtics have been favored heavily in every series leading up to the Finals, and each of them has involved injuries to the opponent’s best player. Many wonder how they will respond when facing whoever comes out of the West.
AGAIN THE EAST IS UNSERIOUS
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) May 26, 2024
Now with a 3-0 advantage over the Pacers, the series is practically over just as everyone predicted. Unlike last year, when the Celtics struggled to close these games, they are having no problems taking care of business in 2024 and are taking full advantage of their weakened opponents.
Jayson Tatum Says Celtics Used Past Experience To Power Comeback Win
No team in NBA history has ever come back from down 0-3, but the Celtics nearly pulled it off just a season ago. Against the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals, the Cs were facing elimination in Game 4 before pulling off three straight wins and forcing a Game 7. They narrowly lost that contest at home but their fight and resolve in that series has extended to this year’s run.
With his team behind and on track to lose Game 3, Tatum pulled off a miracle down the stretch to lead his team to victory and ensure that the Pacers are given no chances to steal a game in the series.
“[Jrue] was feeling sick this morning, he wasn’t even able to come to shootaround… so for him to come up with a big play to win the game, we got a hell of a team,” said Tatum after the buzzer. “No lead in the NBA is safe anymore. There’s a lot of time left in the game and you have to believe. We always believe we have a chance to win the game… Closeout games are the hardest. Last year we were down 0-3 and we forced a game 7 so never relax, it’s not over till it’s over.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday and whether or not Tyrese Haliburton is there, the Celtics will be ready and eager to end the series. They know more than anyone how important it is to close out the series and they’ll need all the rest they can get to go against the Mavericks or Timberwolves in the next round.
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