Celtics Edge Out Pacers in Thrilling Overtime Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals
The Indiana Pacers nearly accomplished a stunning victory Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Celtics. However, they ultimately faced a 133-128 defeat in overtime at the TD Garden. Jaylen Brown saved the Celtics with a crucial three-point shot just 6 seconds before the end, tying the score at 117-117 to force overtime.
Jayson Tatum then took control during the extra period, finishing with an impressive 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists—10 of those points came in overtime. Despite putting up a valiant fight, the Pacers may rue their critical turnovers late in the game. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 25 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Jaylen Brown, who scored 26 points in total, acknowledged after the game, 'A lot of ups and downs, I don't think we played our best basketball.' The Celtics came into this game more rested, having eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, whereas the Pacers had just secured their spot in the Conference Final in a decisive Game 7 against the New York Knicks.
Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle blamed himself for the loss, stating, 'The defeat is entirely my fault. With 10 seconds left in the game, we should have taken a timeout to move the ball and find a way to get one or two free throws that would have killed the game.'
The match was filled with tension as the Pacers managed to come back multiple times but fell short due to late-game mistakes. even with only 27 seconds remaining and the score in their favor at 114-117, they failed to capitalize. Jaylen Brown intercepted a critical pass that led to his game-tying three-pointer.
In overtime, the Celtics showcased better decision-making and nerves, with Tatum leading the charge. Myles Turner added 23 points and 10 rebounds for Indiana, but Tatum's leadership and Jaylen Brown's clutch three-pointer were decisive.
The Celtics are considered favorites with established All-Stars like Tatum, Brown, and Jrue Holiday, who added 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. However, they were missing their starting center, Kristaps Porziņģis, which allowed Indiana’s big men to dominate the paint with 56 points.
Despite their loss, the Pacers demonstrated resilience, and their well-rounded scoring effort included contributions from T. J McConnell and Obi Toppin. Match 2 of this best-of-seven series will take place in Boston on Thursday night.
- The Pacers were participating in their first Conference Final after a 10-year hiatus, making their performance under such intense circumstances even more commendable.
- The best-of-seven series structure adds an element of strategy and endurance, making every game crucial. The Celtics' deep bench and star power were significant factors in their Game 1 victory.
- The absence of Kristaps Porziņģis could be an ongoing issue for the Celtics, especially if Indiana's big men continue to exploit this weakness in the paint.
