The Boston Celtics All-Star stunned the Pacers in the NBA playoffs with a game-tying 3-pointer in the last seconds of regulation, sending Tuesday’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals into overtime. The Celtics ultimately triumphed, 133-128, taking a 1-0 series lead.
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Turnovers in the Late Game Cost the Game for the Pacers
Indiana held a 115-110 lead late and maintained a 117-114 advantage with 10 seconds remaining. A sloppy inbounds pass resulted in a turnover, giving the Celtics new life. Brown capitalized with a clutch 3-pointer over Pascal Siakam, tying the game at 117 with 5.7 seconds left.
In overtime, Jayson Tatum scored 10 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer with 42.8 seconds remaining, pushing Boston’s lead to 127-123. The Celtics controlled the remainder of the game, seizing the early series advantage.
Indiana’s late turnover was one of 21 for the night, overshadowing an otherwise stellar offensive performance. The Pacers shot 53.5% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range. The final turnover, a miscommunication between Andrew Nembhard and Siakam, set up Brown’s heroics.
The Pacers committed three more turnovers in overtime, including two in the final 1:02, which sealed their fate.
Tyrese Haliburton Stepped Up But Fell Short
The Pacers initially struggled, falling into a 12-0 hole within three minutes. They rallied to tie the game at 64 by halftime, thanks to a logo 3-pointer from Haliburton. Haliburton continued to excel, finishing with 25 points, 10 assists, and three steals while hitting 6 of 14 from deep.
Despite another 3-pointer from Haliburton to start overtime, the Celtics prevailed, taking the lead for good on a Tatum free throw at 124-123 with 1:12 remaining.
Everybody in Boston is Stepping Up
The Celtics matched the Pacers’ offense with solid performances from their starters. Tatum led with a game-high 36 points, including his 10 in overtime, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Jrue Holiday added a season-high 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Brown contributed 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, including the critical 3-pointer. The Celtics shot 46.5% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range, securing a significant advantage at the free-throw line by making 24 of 30 attempts, compared to Indiana’s 9 of 10.
A Reasonable Effort for the Pacers
Siakam posted 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Myles Turner contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Despite these efforts, every Pacers starter except Nembhard turned the ball over at least twice, with Aaron Nesmith and Turner combining for nine turnovers.
The Celtics managed the win without Kristaps Porzingis, who was sidelined with a calf injury. He might return by Game 4, bolstering Boston’s chances in the series.
Game 1 Goes to Boston
Boston’s resilience and star power ultimately prevailed over Indiana’s valiant effort, giving the Celtics a crucial Game 1 victory in the NBA playoffs. The Pacers must address their turnover issues to bounce back in the series.
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