Pacers Nearly Upset Celtics in Game 1 of ECF
Haliburton scores 33, Pacers lead by 30 in first half
The Boston Celtics escaped with a 133-128 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night. The Pacers opened up a 30-point lead in the first half, but the Celtics clawed back to tie the game in the fourth quarter and eventually win in overtime. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 36 points, while Jaylen Brown added 28 points and Marcus Smart chipped in with 24 points.
Pacers rally from 30-point deficit to force overtime
The Pacers started the game on fire, shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three-point range in the first quarter. Haliburton was particularly impressive, scoring 15 points in the first quarter and finishing the game with 33 points. The Celtics, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 33% from the field in the first half.
The Pacers continued to pour it on in the second quarter, extending their lead to 30 points at one point. The Celtics finally started to find their footing in the third quarter, but the Pacers still held a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Celtics chipped away at the Pacers' lead in the fourth quarter, and eventually tied the game with just under two minutes remaining. The Pacers had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Haliburton's potential game-winning shot was blocked by Tatum.
In overtime, the Celtics took control of the game and eventually won by five points. Tatum scored eight of his 36 points in overtime, and Brown added six points.
The Celtics will host the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. The Pacers will need to find a way to slow down Tatum and Brown if they want to even the series.
Comments