NBA fans cheer for Jayson Tatum and Celtics after Jrue Holiday makes a decisive impact in victory against the Pacers in the ECF G3

The Boston Celtics overcame an 18-point second-half deficit to defeat the host Indiana Pacers 114-111 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

Jayson Tatum had 36 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Celtics, who now lead the best-of-seven series 3-0 against the Pacers. His best play was a behind-the-back pass to Al Horford, who calmly made a three-pointer from the corner to cut the Pacers' lead to 111-109 with 1:11 left.

However, Jrue Holiday proved to be the Celtics' hero in the final stages of the game. His three-point play with 39 seconds left gave Boston a 112-111 lead with 39 seconds left.

This gave Boston its first lead since its first possession of the ball in the second quarter.

The Pacers and Celtics then played with empty possession, but Indiana had the last chance to take the lead after a missed shot by Tatum with ten seconds left.

Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard then stormed the field, but Holiday grabbed the ball and made a huge hit.

Holiday then calmly sank two free throws to take a 114-111 lead. Indiana had one last chance to tie the game, but Aaron Nesmith's three-pointer from the corner missed the target.

The Pacers made a great effort despite the absence of Tyrese Haliburton (left thigh soreness) on the All-NBA Third Team.

Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 32 points and nine assists, while TJ McConnell added 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists off the bench. Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam each added 22 points, a quartet that put Indiana up 84-66 with six minutes left in the third quarter.

But Boston finally came out on top on defense, limiting Indiana to just 27 points in the final 18 minutes. Tatum also scored 14 points in the final quarter and a half to lead the Celtics, who are just one win away from their second Eastern Conference title in three years.

Holiday finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Jaylen Brown added 24 points.

Al Horford, who is still in the starting lineup in place of injured big man Kristaps Porziņģis (strained right calf), hit 7 of 12 three-pointers and scored 23 points and three blocks.

The Pacers benefited from the tremendous energy of the home crowd for much of the game and looked as if they were playing on roller skates. Their speed and power in the penalty box (68 points to the Celtics' 40) made a big difference.

But the Celtics overcame a brutal start with a terrific finish, capped by Holiday’s heroics:

Game 4 will take place on Monday at 8 p.m. in Indianapolis.