John Havlicek, ML Carr, Gerald Henderson, Larry Bird, and now Jrue Holiday.
The Celtics point guard joined a list of Boston legends to secure a pivotal playoff win with a key steal after pickpocketing Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard with seconds to play in Game 3 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Holiday would hit two free throws after being fouled to give Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The first-year Celtics star was listed as questionable earlier in the day and went through pregame shooting drills before the team reached a decision. He was deemed available to play approximately 45 minutes before tipoff.
Indiana certainly had a chance to come away with a win in the absence of injured leading scorer Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers led 84-66 midway through the third quarter as the Celtics struggled defensively without their own injured star, center Kristaps Porzingis.
But Indiana was outscored 33-21 in the fourth quarter as Holiday shook off a lingering illness to lead Boston’s late surge.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) celebrates with forward Jayson Tatum after the steal
Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Pacers plays defense during the game against Jrue Holiday
