Tyrese Haliburton really wanted to support his team in the Eastern Conference finals, but the team decided he couldn’t play in Game 3 against Boston on Saturday night.
The absence of Indiana’s All-NBA guard and clear-cut team leader because of an injured left hamstring was obvious in the second half. The Pacers struggled to stay under control in a 114-111 loss to the Celtics, leaving them in a 3-0 deficit and on the brink of elimination for the third time in these playoffs.
Haliburton cheered from the bench, encouraging his teammates. Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell made big shots, while Myles Turner helped Indiana dominate the post and control the glass.
Pascal Siakam provided another strong option and together they helped Indiana build an 18-point lead against the team with the most wins in the NBA this season.
If a couple of things had gone differently, the Pacers might still be perfect at home this postseason. Instead, they’re 6-1.
Coach Rick Carlisle said, “Our thing all year has been just to play at the level and bring everything you can and they did that.” He acknowledged some disagreements with calls during the game but remained determined to bounce back in the next game.
No NBA team has ever won one from the deficit the Pacers now face.
