The Celtics initiate an exciting beginning in the conference finals.
The Boston Celtics faced a nerve-wracking start to their conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. Although they ultimately emerged victorious, the game went down to the wire in regulation time.
As the favorite team, the Celtics won the first match of the conference finals with a score of 133-128. However, they teetered on the brink of defeat in overtime at TD Garden when they trailed by three with just 6.1 seconds left.
It was Jaylen Brown who turned the tide with a clutch three-pointer from the corner. He continued to lead the charge with strong defense, closing the game with 26 points and three steals. Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, shone as the top scorer of the evening with 36 points, scoring 10 of those in overtime. With 43 seconds remaining, Tatum made it 127-123 with an effortless three-pointer.
"We have to be better"
In an interview with ESPN post-game, Brown commented on the Pacers' fast-paced style and their constant pressure, stating, "We have to be better." He acknowledged the many ups and downs experienced during the game, but emphasized the importance of finding a way to win: "We didn't play our best game, but we did win."
Tyrese Haliburton was Indiana's top scorer with 25 points, while Pascal Siakam chipped in with 24. The Pacers' defense faltered in the closing minutes, allowing the Celtics to stage a comeback despite their early lead.
The Celtics must win four more games to reach the NBA Finals. The second game of the Eastern Conference takes place in Boston on Friday night, while the series heads to Indianapolis for two more games. The Western Conference battle between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves commences on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
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Source: www.ntv.de
