Celtics Survive First True Playoff Test Against Pacers

Celtics Overcome 18-Point Deficit to Take 3-0 Series Lead

Down 18, Celtics Rally Past Pacers for 3-0 Lead

The Boston Celtics overcame an 18-point deficit and stunned the Indiana Pacers with a 13-2 closing run to take a 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics need one more win to advance to the NBA Finals, while the Pacers are hoping to avoid a sweep.

Jrue Holiday converted the go-ahead 3-point play with 38 seconds left and then made the game-clinching free throw with 10 seconds remaining.

"It was a great win," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. "We showed a lot of character and resilience. We never gave up, even when we were down 18. We kept fighting and we found a way to win."

The Pacers were led by Myles Turner, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Oladipo added 22 points, but he was just 8-of-22 from the field.

"We didn't play well enough in the fourth quarter," Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. "We had a chance to win the game, but we made too many mistakes. We have to learn from our mistakes and be better in Game 4."

Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston.