Rick Carlisle Sends Strong Message To Celtics Despite Going Down 0-3

This declaration came after the Pacers squandered a significant lead in Game 3, ultimately falling 114-111 to the Celtics. The loss was particularly heartbreaking as Indiana had led by as many as 18 points and was up by eight with just 2:38 remaining. Despite this, Carlisle's focus was on the future, emphasizing that his team would come out stronger for Game 4.

Carlisle acknowledged the mistakes that led to their defeat but stressed the importance of moving forward with tenacity. The Pacers' coach also voiced his frustration with the officiating, particularly a crucial play where Andrew Nembhard had the ball stolen by Jrue Holiday in the closing seconds. 

Carlisle believed a foul should have been called and expressed his disagreement with the referees' decisions during the game. Despite the challenging situation, Carlisle remains optimistic about his team's chances. 

Carlisle's message is clear: the Pacers are not giving up. They intend to fight fiercely to extend the series and defy the odds. With the support of their fans and a relentless attitude, Indiana aims to make history by overcoming their 0-3 deficit and pushing the series back to Boston.

The Pacers Should Have Been Up 2-1

The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a frustrating 0-3 hole in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. While Game 2 saw them clearly outplayed in a 110-126 loss, Games 1 and 3 were opportunities that slipped through their fingers, leaving them lamenting what could have been a 2-1 series lead.

In Game 1, the Pacers held a three-point lead with just 47 seconds remaining. However, an unfortunate turnover by Tyrese Haliburton with 28 seconds left gave the Celtics a chance to tie the game. Boston missed initially, and Indiana regained possession, still up by three with only nine seconds to go. 

Facing intense pressure and with a timeout still available, the Pacers opted to play through the press and disastrously lost the ball again. This allowed Jaylen Brown to hit a clutch corner three-pointer to tie the game, forcing overtime. The Pacers ultimately fell short in the extra period, squandering their first opportunity to secure a victory.

Game 3 was another heartbreaker. The Pacers built an 18-point lead in the third quarter and appeared to be in control. However, the Celtics chipped away at the lead, and with less than three minutes remaining, Indiana still led by eight points. 

The tide turned rapidly, and the Pacers found themselves down by one with 10 seconds left. Jrue Holiday’s crucial steal and subsequent free throws, after initially giving Boston the lead with 38.9 seconds on the clock, sealed Indiana's fate.

These two losses will haunt the Pacers, who should have capitalized on their late-game leads. Being up 2-1 against the top-seeded Celtics would have put them in a favorable position, potentially altering the dynamics of the series. Instead, they now face the daunting task of trying to overcome a 3-0 deficit, a feat no team in NBA history has ever accomplished.

The Pacers will be kicking themselves for these missed opportunities. They had the chance to stun the Celtics and position themselves as serious contenders. Instead, their mismanagement in critical moments has placed them on the brink of elimination, highlighting the razor-thin margins that often define playoff basketball.

Manu Ginobili Hails Jrue Holiday For Late Game Heroics 

As the Boston Celtics secured a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Indiana Pacers, veteran guard Jrue Holiday’s performance drew admiration from basketball legend Manu Ginobili. Ginobili took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his awe at Holiday’s remarkable display during the pivotal Game 3 showdown. 

"Jrue Holiday! What a player!"

Holiday’s clutch plays, including a crucial three-point play and a game-saving steal, underscored his importance to the Celtics’ success in the postseason. With the Celtics mounting a nine-point fourth-quarter comeback, Holiday's defensive heroics were vital. His timely steal with less than eight seconds left, when the Pacers trailed by one and sought a game-winning bucket, effectively sealed the game.

The savvy veteran intercepted a pass intended for Andrew Nembhard, drew a foul from Pascal Siakam, and hit both free throws to extend the Celtics’ lead to three.

Ginobili’s praise highlights the widespread recognition of Holiday’s impact on the game and his ability to deliver under pressure. In addition to his defensive prowess, Holiday made a pivotal offensive play, driving into the paint to tie the game and converting the ensuing free throw to give Boston its first lead since the second quarter. His overall performance—14 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and a blocked shot—was instrumental in Boston’s 114-111 victory.

The Celtics had hoped that acquiring Holiday in the offseason would have a similar impact to Ginobili's influence during the Spurs’ championship runs, and his Game 3 performance affirmed this belief. Boston's defensive execution in the closing minutes, led by Holiday and supported by contributions from Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Jaylen Brown, shut down the Pacers’ offense and secured the win.

Holiday’s contributions have been crucial to the Celtics’ postseason campaign, and as they aim to advance to the next round, his ability to deliver in clutch moments remains invaluable. The Celtics look to complete the sweep in Game 4, with Holiday’s performance serving as a testament to his skill and leadership under pressure.