The Boston Celtics squeaked past the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals with a 133-128 overtime victory. Boston entered the series as heavy favorites to win the series, and teams that win Game 1 of an NBA conference finals have gone on to win the series 77.4% of the time.
The Celtics and the Pacers were the top two offenses in the NBA this season, and Game 1 opened as a scoring clinic. Boston made it to the rim with ease, while Indiana benefitted from hot shooting. In the second half, however, Boston was able to take control of the game’s tempo, grinding things down with aggressive defense and an emphasis on attacking the rim, though the Pacers refused to relent. An Indiana run late saw the Celtics fall behind in the final moments of the game, but after Jaylen Brown was able to force overtime, Boston recaptured their defensive intensity and closed the door on the Pacers.
Let’s take a look at some of the best moments captured in images in the Celtics’ Game 1 of their East finals series vs. the Pacers.
It looks as if Jayson Tatum is making the superstar leap https://t.co/ohzhhHEzED pic.twitter.com/QHsHfmZfOP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 21, 2024
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