The Indiana Pacers must win both games at home or it's over
The Celtics are now 10-2 in the playoffs, only losing one game in each of the previous rounds. Game 2 was a disaster since the second quarter during a 20-0 run, and Tyrese Haliburton going down in the third quarter was the nail in the coffin.
The Pacers though are still undefeated at home, and it will not be hard to believe if they continue to win out at Gainbridge. Game 1 was in the Pacers' hands and some inexperienced mistakes cost them the 1-0 lead. Pascal Siakam averaging 26 points and 8.5 rebounds has been a blessing, as he seems to take the game into his hands.
The bench, like normal has had a good series, with Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell averaging double digits. Seven players are averaging double digits in this series, including Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith.
In order to win game three, the Pacers are going to need to focus on Jaylen Brown more than usual. Brown has been the star of the show in the ECF while Jayson Tatum has backed off a bit and not played as aggressive as Brown. The Celtics also have good depth which has been an issue for the two teams the Pacers played earlier in the playoffs. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet are all great rotational pieces who know their roles and get things done.
Rick Carlisle needs to step up and use his championship pedigree to motivate this team. He seemed to have given up in game two when the game could have still been in reach. That cannot happen again, especially at home.
Next. Next story. The bench was a spectacular failure in Game 2. dark
The Pacers will look to cut the deficit to 2-1 today and try to tie the series after that in game four, also at home. It's a shame they have to do so without their best player.