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Despite the Indiana Pacers turning into “fucking Michael Jordan,” the Boston Celtics pulled out an 18-point comeback on the road to take Game 3, 114-111.
Let’s empty the notebook from Saturday night’s thrilling win.
Holiday bringing championship mettle to Celtics
Jrue Holiday didn’t make Saturday morning’s shootaround because he was sick, and through three quarters it looked like it too.
“I guess I just figured if I got a good day's rest, or tried to sleep through it that would help me for tonight,” Holiday said. “It’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, I wasn’t going to miss this game.”
But when it mattered most, Holiday showed up, and willed the Celtics to a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Pacers.
“The ultimate teammate, competitor, obviously a champion,” Jayson Tatum said. “To come out there and lay it all on the line for us, and make the game-winning play … Jrue is just a big-time player.”
Holiday was no bigger than in the final minutes of Game 3. Down two with just under 40 seconds remaining, Holiday drove through Pascal Siakam for the and-one layup to take the lead.
“I just saw a chance and took the opportunity,” Holiday said. “I felt like he was on his heels, he wasn’t really expecting me to attack him downhill. I attacked him, tried to be aggressive and got the and-one.”
Then, with Indiana running down the court in transition looking for the game-winning shot, Holiday snatched the ball from Andrew Nembhard and sealed the game at the foul line.
“Just made a play,” Holiday said. “Just jumped his right hand and made a steal.”
Holiday’s crucial play-making down the stretch has been exactly what Boston has been missing in recent years. His play, especially this series, has elevated the Celtics to a team that can make those championship-winning plays in games like this.
Tatum delivers his best postseason performance of career
Tatum is no stranger to big moments in the postseason. The All-NBA player has put up memorable performances like his 46-point game in Milwaukee, and his 51-point masterclass in Game 7 against Philadelphia.
Saturday was different. Saturday was a version of Tatum we haven’t seen yet.
Tatum said pregame that Game 3 of a series was always his favorite, and he certainly played like it was Saturday night.
“I always enjoy Game 3 the most, going into the opponent's home building,” Tatum said. “The crowd was electric, they haven’t lost a home game since March 18. We knew it was going to be a tough battle. It took everything for us to win this game.”
Tatum (36 PTS, 10 REB and 8 AST) was on from the start, pouring in 15 points in the opening quarter and sinking two triples, something he has struggled with all postseason.
“To come out there with a certain level of intensity … Set the tone for our team, send a message,” Tatum said. “I never get concerned about my shots … I always feel like the next one is going to go in.”
Like he said, he’s never been concerned about his shots or scoring, that’s why, despite 36 points, his biggest play of the night was a pass.
Down six, with just over a minute to go, Tatum drove to the basket bringing two defenders with him. In doing so, he sent a behind-the-back pass to Al Horford, who drilled the three from the corner.
“We always talk about spacing, making sure we are in the right spots,” Tatum said. “I trusted that he was going to be there, he trusted that I would make the right read, and that was a hell of a shot.”
Saturday’s version of Tatum is him at his absolute best. One that will have no problem going against whatever superstar walks into the TD Garden on June 6.
Upping the intensity
The Celtics, down 18 on the road, could have easily packed it in last night. In previous years they probably would have, and just drawn it up to an opponent having a hot shooting night. It was a game, like many this year, where you can sit back and really see the difference.
This team is special.
Their ability to flip that switch, even with the Pacers shooting 70% from the field, and play relentless, attacking defense was special to watch. Look no further than Boston’s nine second half blocks to see it translating on the court.
“The biggest thing that we understood was that we needed to continue to play, continue to trust each other,” Horford said. “I felt like we had opportunities early in the fourth to kind of take over … We just couldn’t get it done. I give this group a ton of credit for continuing to stick with it.
To play or not to play?
Early reports headed into the Eastern Conference Finals where Kristaps Porzingis could possibly return for Game 4. Now, just about 30 hours from tipoff of that game, the Celtics have a big decision to make.
Do you play Porzingis in the hopes of knocking off some rust, or give him almost another 10 days of rest heading into the Finals?
I think Boston is in a lose-lose situation, because any decision it makes, if it goes wrong, will be viewed as the wrong one.
If Porzingis plays in a series that is now over, and gets injured, it will never hear the end of it. But if he rests and has no sense of rhythm, they will also never hear the end of it.
Personally, I would sit him down and if you get to a Game 5 back in Boston put him in. There is no reason for him to play and the risk is too great.
Then if you win Monday, with 10 days off in-between series, Mazzulla is going to have to simulate some tough practices. That's where Pornzgis can knock off some of the rust.
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