In a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Indiana Pacers gave the Boston Celtics a run for their money, pushing them to the brink before eventually succumbing to a 133-128 defeat in overtime on Tuesday night.
Despite being up by five with under two minutes left in regulation, Indiana couldn’t hold off the Celtics, who mounted a comeback to force overtime and ultimately secure the victory.
Now, as the top-seeded Celtics aim to extend their lead in the series, they are determined to secure a win in Game 2, which is scheduled for Thursday in Boston.
Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics with a game-high 36 points and 12 rebounds, including crucial plays in overtime that propelled his team to victory. Jrue Holiday contributed 28 points, while Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points for Boston.
The Pacers, led by Andrew Nembhard’s 3-pointer that briefly put them ahead in the fourth quarter, fought hard throughout the game. However, they were unable to maintain their lead in overtime, despite a strong performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who finished with 25 points and 10 assists.
Reflecting on the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience but emphasized the need to maintain their focus and intensity heading into Game 2.
Turnovers proved costly for the Pacers, with 22 turnovers leading to 32 points for the Celtics. Although Indiana showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in the third quarter, they ultimately fell short in their bid to steal Game 1 on the road.
Looking ahead, both teams are gearing up for another intense battle in Game 2, with the Celtics aiming to capitalize on their momentum and the Pacers eager to bounce back with a strong showing on Thursday night.
