Tatum, Brown Spearhead Celtics' Victory In Eastern Conference Finals Game 1

Jayson Tatum scored 10 of his 36 points in overtime, leading the Boston Celtics to a 133-128 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night. The Celtics capitalised on some sloppy play by the Pacers, who committed 21 turnovers during the game.

Jrue Holiday contributed 28 points, while Jaylen Brown added 26, including a crucial tying three-pointer with 6.1 seconds left in regulation. The Celtics finished with 11 steals, with Brown, Tatum, and Holiday each recording three. This marked the first time in NBA playoff history that three players from the same team recorded at least 25 points and three steals in a game.

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in Boston. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 25 points and 10 assists. Despite scoring 56 points in the paint, Indiana struggled with turnovers, particularly in the final moments of regulation. Twice in the last 30 seconds, they turned the ball over while holding a three-point lead.

Brown's three-pointer from the corner, with Pascal Siakam defending, tied the game at 117. In overtime, Haliburton made three free throws after being fouled with 1:46 remaining to put Indiana ahead 123-121. However, Tatum responded with a three-point play 34 seconds later to give Boston the lead for good.

Tatum extended Boston's lead with a three-pointer following another Indiana turnover with 43 seconds left. He then sealed the win by hitting two free throws with nine seconds remaining.

this belongs in a museum pic.twitter.com/7MYgKKzqhT

Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 22, 2024