The Indiana Pacers nearly pulled off an upset in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Jaylen Brown’s clutch 3-pointer forced overtime, where the Celtics ultimately secured a 132-128 victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Pacers had a 115-110 lead late in the fourth quarter and seemed poised for a win. However, with just 10 seconds left, a costly turnover gave the Celtics an opportunity to tie the game. Andrew Nembhard’s inbounds pass, intended for Pascal Siakam, was intercepted by Jaylen Brown. Despite tight defense from Siakam, Brown managed to drain a 3-pointer, tying the game at 117-117 with 5.7 seconds remaining on the clock.
In overtime, the Celtics took control. Jayson Tatum was particularly dominant, scoring 10 of his game-high 36 points during the extra period. One of his key moments was a crucial 3-pointer that extended Boston’s lead to 127-123. Tatum also contributed significantly with 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals, playing a vital role in maintaining the Celtics’ momentum and securing the win.
Jaylen Brown’s overall performance was instrumental for Boston. Besides his game-tying shot, he scored 26 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five assists, and made three steals. His clutch 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation was a game-changer, providing the Celtics with the lifeline they needed to push the game into overtime.
Jrue Holiday also had a standout game for the Celtics, scoring 28 points along with eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. His contributions were significant in supporting Boston’s offensive efforts throughout the game.
The Pacers’ struggles with turnovers were a major factor in their loss. Despite shooting an impressive 53.5% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range, Indiana’s 21 turnovers proved costly. These turnovers, especially in critical moments, undermined their otherwise strong performance. The Pacers committed three turnovers in overtime alone, including two in the final minute, which further hindered their chances of winning.
Tyrese Haliburton was a bright spot for the Pacers, delivering an outstanding performance. He scored 25 points, including several key 3-pointers, and added 10 assists and three steals. Haliburton’s efforts helped the Pacers stay competitive throughout the game, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
The Celtics’ victory was particularly notable given they were playing without starting forward Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since Boston’s first-round series against the Miami Heat. Reports suggest that Porzingis might be ready to return by Game 4, which could potentially strengthen an already formidable Boston team.
Indiana will need to regroup and address their turnover issues if they hope to challenge the Celtics in this series. The Pacers need to capitalize on their offensive opportunities while minimizing mistakes. Meanwhile, the Celtics will look to build on their Game 1 win as they aim to advance to the NBA Finals.
Boston’s resilience and the star performances from Tatum, Brown, and Holiday helped them overcome a determined Indiana team. The Pacers will need to find a way to mitigate their turnovers and better protect the ball to even the series in Game 2. The Celtics, buoyed by their Game 1 success, will strive to maintain their edge and push closer to their championship aspirations.