Celtics’ Strong Start
The Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and the Pacers began with high intensity. The Celtics launched a 12-0 offensive burst at the start, but the Pacers displayed resilience, tying the game by halftime.
Pacers’ Comeback
Despite trailing by 13 points in the third quarter, the Pacers turned the game around and took the lead in the fourth quarter. Myles Turner led the Pacers’ charge, cutting the deficit to 31-34 by the end of the first quarter, and Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater three-pointer tied it at 64-64 at halftime.
Third Quarter Drama
Haliburton’s five consecutive points gave the Pacers a lead in the third quarter, but the Celtics responded with a 28-10 run, extending their lead to 92-79. However, the Pacers answered back with a 9-0 run, keeping the game close. Haliburton’s buzzer-beater three-pointer at the end of the third quarter brought the score to 93-94.
Final Quarter Tension
Pascal Siakam’s basket gave the Pacers a one-point lead in the fourth quarter. In a nail-biting finish, Andrew Nembhard scored with 39.1 seconds left, putting the Pacers ahead 117-114. Despite missed opportunities by the Celtics, Jaylen Brown’s three-pointer with 5.7 seconds left tied the game at 117-117, forcing overtime.
Overtime Battle
In the overtime period, both teams continued to fight hard. Haliburton’s three free throws gave the Pacers the lead, but Jayson Tatum quickly responded with a three-point play and another three-pointer, scoring six consecutive points to give the Celtics a 127-123 lead.
Celtics’ Victory and Injury Update
The Pacers’ errors in the final seconds cost them the game, with the Celtics securing a 133-128 victory. Tatum led with 36 points and 12 rebounds, while Brown and Jrue Holiday added 26 and 28 points, respectively. Haliburton led the Pacers with 25 points, with Siakam and Turner contributing 24 and 23 points. Despite the win, the Celtics received good news about Kristaps Porzingis, who is expected to return from injury in Game 4 of the series. (7XM)