Celtics Take Early Lead Pacers Battle Back

Tatum, Brown Lead Celtics to Overtime Win in Game 1 of East Finals

Celtics Take Early Lead, Pacers Battle Back

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. Jaylen Brown dominated the Pacers with a game-high 40 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation.

Celtics Steal Game 1 with Late-Game Turnovers

Down late in regulation, Boston took advantage of several Indiana turnovers and Brown's tying 3-pointer to force overtime. In the extra period, the Celtics pulled away for a 133-128 victory.

The Celtics led 12-0 to start the game, but the Pacers battled back on the heels of Turner Haliburton's 22 assists in the first 24 minutes. The game remained close throughout the second half, with several lead changes in the fourth quarter.

Jayson Tatum added 36 points for the Celtics, while Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points. Domantas Sabonis contributed 22 points and 17 rebounds for Indiana.

The Celtics now have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in Boston.