Celtics Survive a Scare, Take Game 1 of ECF Over Pacers in Overtime
The Boston Celtics weathered a late Indiana Pacers surge and emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime battle, stealing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a final score of 133-128. The victory puts the Celtics up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.
A strong start by the Celtics saw them jump out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter, fueled by hot shooting from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, the young Pacers squad, led by the dynamic duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, clawed their way back throughout the game. By halftime, the score was tied, showcasing the Pacers’ resilience.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Clutch plays from both sides kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Jrue Holiday’s defensive efforts on Haliburton in the final minutes proved to be a pivotal factor for the Celtics. With seconds remaining in regulation, Jaylen Brown sank a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 117 and send it into overtime.
In the extra period, the Celtics capitalized on a few Pacers turnovers to build a small lead. Despite a valiant effort from Indiana, Boston held on to secure the hard-fought victory.
Tatum finished the night as the leading scorer for the Celtics with 32 points, while Brown added 28 points. Jrue Holiday’s defensive presence and 15 points were crucial contributions for Boston. For the Pacers, Haliburton had a strong performance with 25 points and 10 assists, while Siakam chipped in with 27 points.
This win sets the stage for a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals series. The young and hungry Pacers have shown they can compete with the veteran Celtics, and Game 2 promises to be another nail-biter.
