Boston Celtics Edge Pacers in Overtime Thriller to Open Eastern Conference Finals
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Eastern Conference Finals opened with a thrilling battle as the top-seeded Boston Celtics narrowly escaped with a victory. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 36 points, including a crucial 10 points in overtime, following Jaylen Brown’s game-tying three-pointer with 6.1 seconds left in regulation. The Celtics rallied just in time to secure a 133-128 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Jrue Holiday contributed 28 points, while Brown finished with 26 points. Tyrese Haliburton was a standout for the Pacers, posting 25 points and 10 assists. Despite their efforts, which included making 13 three-pointers and scoring 56 points in the paint, the Pacers fell short against a Celtics team still missing their 7-foot defensive anchor, Kristaps Porzingis.
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Boston’s defense made the difference, as they recorded 11 steals, with three each from Brown, Tatum, and Holiday. This defensive prowess marked a historic moment, making the Celtics the first team in NBA playoff history to have three players score at least 25 points and notch three steals in a single game.
The Celtics struggled from three-point range for much of the game but eventually finished 15 of 45 from beyond the arc. On the Pacers’ side, Myles Turner contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds. The sixth-seeded Pacers twice turned the ball over with a three-point lead in the final 30 seconds of regulation, mistakes that proved costly. Brown capitalized on the second turnover, sinking a clutch three-pointer from the corner with Siakam closely defending, tying the game at 117 and forcing overtime.
Game 2 of this electrifying series is set for Thursday night, where the Pacers will look to bounce back and even the series against the resilient Celtics. The intensity and competitive spirit shown in Game 1 suggest that the Eastern Conference finals will be a must-watch, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination on the road to the NBA Finals.
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