The start of the Eastern Conference Finals series, between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, looked like it was going to be a blowout game. The Celtics were on fire early in the first half until the Pacers turned it around in the third quarter. Down to the wire, the Celtics found themselves in a three-point deficit with 8.5 seconds left in the game. Inbounding from the baseline, Jrue Holiday quickly found Jaylen Brown on the corner, behind the arc, where he elevated against the defense and knocked down the game-tying trey ball—sending the game into overtime!
In OT, the Celtics rallied to a 133-128 victory, with Jrue Holiday’s relentless defense also playing a big part in the win.
“It doesn’t prove anything. We won a big-time game. The series is far from over,” stated Tatum, however, in the post-game presser. And respectfully so, he’s correct. Despite finishing with 36 points, along with Jrue Holiday’s 28 points and Jaylen Brown’s 26, the Celtics know there’s still a long series ahead.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 25 points and 10 assists, knocking down 13 three-pointers. Pascal Siakam added 24 points and 12 rebounds while Myles turner finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
“It’s unfortunate we did so many good things in this game that it came down to a couple of mistakes at the end, but it’s the NBA playoffs,” said Pacers coach, Carlisle.
As for the Celtics, Al Hereford emphasized the importance of winning on their floor. “We keep talking about protecting home court. It’s whatever it takes.” There’s no denying the Celtics’ mentality this deep in the Playoffs; we all know they have one mission in mind. One game at a time.
Game 02 is Thursday, 5/23, at 8 PM ET.
