THE Indiana Pacers will try to climb out of an 0-2 hole against the Boston Celtics starting Game 3 on Saturday without Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana’s offensive powerhouse exited early two nights ago after suffering a hamstring injury. He did not receive the starting signal to dress on Saturday, while his status remains questionable for Game 4.
The Celtics will go into their third straight playoff run without the opposing team’s best player on the court for at least one game. They didn’t see Jimmy Butler against the Miami Heat and faced Donovan Mitchell for just a few games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Haliburton faced them twice before getting injured.
The Boston Celtics usually take care of business no matter who is in front of them. They will look to continue that trend against the Pacers on Saturday.
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Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Player Stats and Box Scores
Boston Celtics Player Stats and Box Scores
Indiana Pacers Player Stats and Box Scores
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers game summary
The Indiana Pacers remained unfazed from the first quarter against the Boston Celtics without Tyrese Haliburton. Pascal Siakam had 11 points early, while Myles Turner, who was ripped on social media for his performance in Game 2, scored 10.
Jayson Tatum had a stunning first quarter, dropping 15 points against the Pacers but having little support. It was just enough, however, to take a 32-31 lead after the first 12 minutes ended.
Andrew Nembhard, taking on the playmaking role with Haliburton, stole the show in the second quarter. He dropped 17 points and ran Rick Carlisle’s offense with aplomb. Indiana’s high-octane offense came alive and took a 64-46 lead after Nembhard’s 25-footer entered.
Boston closed the gap to 66-57 before Nembhard again put more distance between the two teams with another trifecta. Indiana, after trailing by nine points at one point, took a 69-47 advantage before the halftime break.
It looked like the Indiana Pacers offense would continue to run on all cylinders in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics. TJ McConnell’s 10-foot jumper pushed the hosts’ lead to 82-66 before the visitors slowly clawed their way back into the game. Derrick White’s free throws made it 88-81, but Doug McDermott tipped in Andrew Nembhard’s missed floater. The Pacers led by just 90-81 heading into the final quarter.
Boston began making stops to start the fourth quarter and got within 93-90 after Al HorfordIt’s a 3-pointer. Both teams traded mini-points as their respective offenses buzzed. Nembhard and TJ McConnell weren’t fazed by the names of superstars lining up in front of them.
McConnell’s point-blank shot, which sent the home team roaring, pushed Indiana’s lead to 109-103. The Celtics, however, showed their much-maligned composure by uncorking a crippling 11-2 run to end the game and win 114-111.
Jrue Vacations‘s and -1, a steal from Andrew Nembhard and two free throws stunned the Indiana Pacers and their home crowd.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam on 3 points tonight
Jayson Tatumafter a dismal 1-of-7 night from deep in Game 2, was already 3-of-6 in the first half of Game 3. Jaylen Brown made one of two attempts from the same distance.
Andrew Nembhard’s hot shooting night included a perfect 3-for-3 clip from behind the arc during the same stretch. Pascal Siakam was unable to match this efficiency after missing his two attempts.
The Boston Celtics franchise cornerstones finished the night with a 6-for-15 line from deep, with Tatum going five. Meanwhile, Nembhard’s hot start faded as he went 1-for-4 in the second half to finish with four triples on seven attempts. Pascal finished the game without sinking a single one.
