In a stunning turn of events, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw the Indiana Pacers blow a late lead to the Boston Celtics, resulting in a 133-128 overtime victory for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown’s clutch three-pointer tied the game with seconds left on the clock, leading to a dramatic overtime finish. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Pacers showed they are not backing down from the challenge.
The Celtics, who breezed through the first two playoff rounds, now face a tough battle against a resilient Pacers team. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 25 points and 10 assists, while Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell also made significant contributions. Jrue Holiday’s 28-point performance for the Celtics was crucial in securing the win.
Jayson Tatum came up clutch for the Celtics with a game-high 36 points, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. The Pacers’ 22 turnovers proved costly, allowing the Celtics to capitalize and score 32 points off those mistakes. Despite a significant disparity in free throw attempts, the Celtics’ efficiency from the charity stripe ultimately sealed the victory.
The series is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams showing they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the Pacers look to bounce back from the Game 1 loss, the Celtics must stay focused and continue to rely on their depth and defensive prowess to take control of the series.
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