Jaylen Brown delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 40 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 126-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night. The win gives the Celtics a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Saturday.
Brown was instrumental in the Celtics’ triumph, hitting 14 of 27 shots from the floor and sinking 8 of 11 free throws. He also contributed five rebounds. Boston established a 13-point lead after three quarters and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Brown noted, “I think we adjusted a little bit better in Game 2. I still think we can play a little better, so we’re looking forward to doing that in Game 3.”
The Pacers suffered a significant setback as point guard Tyrese Haliburton left the game in the third quarter with left hamstring soreness. Haliburton, who previously missed 10 games in January due to a left hamstring strain, had 10 points and eight assists in 28 minutes before his exit.
“Losing Ty for the game obviously is a big blow,” said Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. “We’ll know more [Friday] and even more Saturday. I know you want details. I don’t have much.”
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, making 13 of 17 field-goal attempts. Andrew Nembhard added 16 points for Indiana, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Celtics.
In addition to Brown’s outstanding performance, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each scored 23 points for the Celtics. Al Horford added six points and pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.
The Celtics surged ahead with a crucial 20-0 run, scoring the final three points of the first quarter and the first 17 points of the second quarter, taking a 42-27 lead. Indiana did not score in the second quarter until Aaron Nesmith made two free throws with 6:45 remaining.
Boston maintained control, leading 57-51 at halftime and 93-80 at the end of the third quarter. Although Indiana closed the gap to two points, 68-66, following a Siakam 3-pointer with 7:55 left in the third, the Celtics responded strongly to re-establish their dominance.
As the series heads to Indianapolis, the Pacers will rely on their impressive home playoff record, currently at 6-0 this season. The Celtics, however, are also undefeated on the road in the playoffs, boasting a 4-0 record.
Indiana previously overcame a 2-0 deficit against the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals, eventually winning the series in seven games. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla is cautious about the challenge ahead. “The only thing we should be thinking about is they were down 2-0 a series ago and they brought it to Game 7 and they do a great job protecting their home court,” Mazzulla said.
“They’re undefeated at home, so it’s going to take a lot more than confidence to get the job done, and we have to focus on the details and the execution. … I know they’re going to respond, so it’s up to us to do the same.”
Boston’s Luke Kornet left the game in the first quarter with a sprained left wrist and did not return. Additionally, center Kristaps Porzingis missed his eighth consecutive game due to a calf strain.
As Game 3 approaches, both teams will be looking to make necessary adjustments. The Celtics aim to extend their series lead, while the Pacers hope to leverage their home court advantage to turn the tide in their favour.
