NBA playoffs: Boston Celtics beat Indiana Pacers to take 3-0 Eastern Conferences Finals lead…

In a pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics secured a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers with a decisive victory. The Celtics’ win brings them within one game of reaching the NBA Finals, showcasing their dominance in this playoff run.

Boston’s success in this game was driven by a blend of stellar offense and stifling defense. Jayson Tatum led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. Jaylen Brown complemented Tatum’s efforts with 25 points, including several key plays that shifted the momentum in Boston’s favor.

The Celtics’ defense was a standout aspect of their game, effectively neutralizing the Pacers’ star player, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis, who had been a critical factor for Indiana in previous games, was limited to just 14 points due to the intense defensive pressure from Boston’s frontcourt, particularly from Robert Williams and Al Horford.

Indiana’s attempts to counter Boston’s tactics were met with mixed results. Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert contributed significantly with 22 and 18 points respectively, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Celtics’ balanced attack and defensive prowess. The Pacers struggled with turnovers and failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, which compounded their difficulties.

Boston’s victory in Game 3 underscores their depth and versatility, with contributions from key role players like Marcus Smart and Derrick White, who provided crucial support on both ends of the floor. The Celtics’ ability to adapt and execute their game plan has been a hallmark of their playoff success.

As the series heads to Game 4, the Celtics are in a strong position to sweep the Pacers and advance to the NBA Finals. Indiana faces the daunting task of winning four consecutive games to turn the series around, a challenge that few teams in NBA history have managed to accomplish.