The Boston Celtics continue to dominate even at this crucial stage! Despite their rivals, the Indiana Pacers, holding a 12-point lead during the third quarter, the franchise could recover quickly. As a result, they recorded their third consecutive win during the ongoing Eastern Conference Finals. His feat was recorded even though the team’s fifth-highest leading scorer, Jrue Holiday, was not in the best condition. However, the point guard did not choose to have his poor health put him down, and went out of his way to contribute to the overall points total.

In the aftermath of the matchup, Jayson Tatum, the MVP of the night, proceeded to engage in a Q&A session with ESPN. During the same, when discussing Jrue Holiday’s game-winning steal, Tatum highlighted how the player’s continuing ailment made his availability questionable for the matchup.

“He was feeling sick this morning,” said the 26-year-old player. “He wasn’t even able to come to shoot around. So, for him to come out here and put it all on the line for us and come up with a big play to win…. we got a hell of a team”.

Jrue Holiday was listed as questionable for Game 3 due to a non-Covid illness. Given that the player had scored 28 and 15 points during the previous two clashes against the Pacers, his presence was an absolute must for the team. Fortunately, not only did he make himself available, but he also went ahead and secured a score of 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists to his name. When asked why he chose to not opt out of the game, the player replied, “I didn’t feel too well. … But it’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, so I wasn’t going to miss this game.”

The Boston Celtics roster praises Jrue Holiday on his game-winning steal

While it was Jayson Tatum who scored the highest points of the night, it was Jrue Holiday who ended up changing the course of the game in the final moments. During the final 7.8 seconds, the Pacers trailed the Celtics by just one point. The Pacers’ Guard Andrew Nembhard possessed the ball. With the crowd in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse egging him on, Nembhard swiftly dashed to the other end of the court, looking to make a three-pointer or at least a layup. Before he could get into position, however, Holiday came up and stole the ball, sending the Pacers player down on the fall. By the time the whistle blew, there were just 1.1 seconds remaining. Nothing that the Pacers could have done after that point could have ensured their win.

Holiday’s teammates were thankful to have the player on their roster, and they weren’t afraid to highlight their happiness. During the post-game presser, Celtics power forward Al Horford called the game-winning steal “unbelievable”. He praised the player’s instincts for ensuring that such a move could have been made during the final seconds of the faceoff.

“He’s just a winner. Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to—he’s a winner,” said Al Horford. “I’m so fortunate to be paying next to him. I don’t take it for granted.”

Jayson Tatum, who had earlier highlighted the player’s illness, also sent his flower by stating that Jrue Holiday is the “ultimate teammate, competitor, and obviously a champion. … Jrue’s a big-time player and he made a tremendous play.”

The Boston Celtics are now just one win away from entering the NBA finals after failing to reach the same last season. Till that time, it remains to be seen whether Jrue Holiday will recover fast enough to make himself available for this pivotal stage or not.

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