The Boston Celtics secured a 126-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. The game was marked by standout performances and surprising coaching decisions, adding layers of intrigue to the series.
Jaylen Brown, a player with three All-Star appearances and a $300 million contract, seemed to find extra motivation in the recent All-NBA teams announcement. Despite his significant contributions throughout the season, Brown was notably absent from the All-NBA selections. This snub appeared to ignite a fire in him for Game 2, as he delivered a remarkable performance. Brown scored 40 points on 14-for-27 shooting, showcasing his range by hitting 4 of 10 from beyond the arc. He was also a force in the paint, making frequent trips to the free-throw line and converting 11 attempts.
Reflecting on his aggressive play, Brown mentioned his strategy to attack the Pacers’ smaller guards and put pressure on them by driving to the basket. He said, “Just being aggressive, wanting to get out in transition and run. But I wanted to attack their smaller guards, put pressure on them, get to the basket.” Initially, Brown seemed to dismiss the idea that the All-NBA snub was a significant motivator, focusing instead on the team’s goal of reaching the Finals. “We’re two [wins] from the Finals,” he stated. “I don’t got the time to give a f—.”
However, as the conversation continued, Brown acknowledged his awareness of how his accomplishments are often overlooked. He expressed frustration at seeing players he believes are less talented receiving more recognition. “I mean, I watch guys get praised and anointed who I feel like [are] half as talented as me on either side of the ball,” Brown noted. “But at this point in my life, I just embrace it. It comes with being who I am and what I stand for and I ain’t really changing that. So I just come out and I’m grateful to step out on the floor each and every night and put my best foot forward. I get better every single year. And whether people appreciate it or not, it is what it is.”
The game also saw an unexpected decision from Pacers’ head coach Rick Carlisle. Known for their resilience this postseason, the Pacers had managed to cut down significant leads in both the second and third quarters. Despite this, with nine minutes remaining and the Pacers trailing by 17 points, Carlisle opted to bench most of his starters. Andrew Nembhard was the only starter who continued to play, while key players like Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner did not see any action in the fourth quarter. Pascal Siakam played just three minutes before being pulled.
This decision was surprising given the context. Although Tyrese Haliburton was injured, the choice to remove other crucial players when the game was still within a 17-point margin raised eyebrows. The NBA is known for its unpredictability, and a 17-point deficit is not insurmountable, especially given the Pacers’ demonstrated ability to fight back.
Even the Celtics seemed surprised by Carlisle’s early concession. Boston had expected a tougher battle in the closing minutes, given Indiana’s previous comebacks. The decision to bench starters effectively ended any hope of a late-game rally, a move that could be scrutinized depending on the series’ progression.
Boston’s dominant performance and Brown’s exceptional game underline the team’s strength and determination. As they aim for another NBA Finals appearance, the Celtics are showing their depth and resilience. Brown’s ability to turn personal slights into motivation speaks volumes about his maturity and focus as a player, making him a crucial part of Boston’s success.
Looking ahead, the Celtics must maintain their momentum and focus to close out the series. The Pacers, facing a daunting challenge, need to reassess their strategy and find ways to counter Boston’s dominance. The coaching decisions, player performances, and mental toughness will continue to play pivotal roles as the series unfolds, with each game offering new twists and narratives.