INDIANAPOLIS — The Boston Celtics keep following the same game plan. Three games into their first-round playoff series, it’s still working. Another dominant second…
INDIANAPOLIS — The Boston Celtics keep following the same game plan.
Three games into their first-round playoff series, it’s still working.
Another dominant second-half defensive performance Friday night helped the Celtics retake control of the game and another late scoring run helped them pull away from Indiana for a 104-96 victory and a 3-0 series lead.
“We’ve come a long way,” All-Star guard Kyrie Irving said. “We’re all making sure we’re giving each other confidence and doing the little things to ensure we win. When you have that type of camaraderie, executing is a lot easier. Now that the stakes are higher, we’re settling into who we want to be.”
While the names and numbers seem to change on a daily basis, the results have remained strikingly consistent.
The Celtics turned Game 1 by limiting Indiana to eight third-quarter points and won by 10. In Game 2, the Celtics erased a double-digit deficit by allowing just 12 fourth-quarter points as they won by eight. This time, it was a 12-point third quarter that swung the momentum, leading Boston to its sixth straight win over Indiana — all since January.
If they can do it one more time Sunday, last year’s Eastern Conference runner-ups will be headed to the conference semifinals.
“In Game 4, we expect (Indiana) to take it to another level,” Jaylen Brown said after scoring 23 points.
