Inside The Celtics

Celtics' Game 3 Hero Questionable for Monday's Matchup vs. Pacers

Bobby Krivitsky

May 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Celtics are on the precipice of their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.

That comes courtesy of Jayson Tatum becoming the first player in league history to register at least 35 points, ten rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal without committing a single turnover.

There was also Al Horford's burying seven threes, the most in the playoffs by someone at least 37 years old. His 23 points included a clutch corner triple, pulling Boston within two with 1:12 left.

That set the stage for Jrue Holiday attacking downhill for a layup through contact and a free throw that gave the visitors a 112-111 lead that he protected by stonewalling an Andrew Nembhard drive and coming up with a steal that helped seal the game and stake the Celtics to a commanding 3-0 series lead.

A day after his heroics at the end of Boston's 114-111 win, Holiday, who played through a non-Covid illness that kept him from shootaround and had him warming in a sweatshirt pregame, is initially listed as questionable for the second straight tilt.

The Celtics have already ruled out Kristaps Porzingis as he works his way back from a soleus strain in his right calf.

Luke Kornet, who missed Game 3 due to a left wrist sprain that he suffered in the first quarter of Game 2 is questionable for Monday's matchup.

Game 4 will tip off at 8:00 p.m. EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Further Reading

From Uncertain to Game 3 Hero, Jrue Holiday Propels Celtics to Finals Precipice

Celtics' Championship Mettle Has Them on Verge of NBA Finals

Jaylen Brown Reacts to Not Making an All-NBA Team: 'Embrace It'

Celtics Grab Elusive Game 2 Win vs. Pacers, Now Halfway to NBA Finals

Jrue Holiday Starts Eastern Conference Finals with Best Game as a Celtic

Jaylen Brown's Heroics Propel Celtics to 1-0 Lead in Conference Finals

Past Hardships Brought Out Best in Al Horford in Career Night: 'You Saw His Gift'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'

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Bobby Krivitsky

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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