Celtics Outlast Pacers in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals

Pacers Build Big Lead, But Celtics Rally for 133-128 Victory

Haliburton Leads Pacers with 33 Points, While Brown and Tatum Combine for 55 for Celtics

The Boston Celtics survived a 30-point deficit in the first half to defeat the Indiana Pacers 133-128 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, while Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 55 points for the Celtics.

The Pacers started the game on fire, shooting 60% from the field and building a 30-point lead by the middle of the second quarter. However, the Celtics slowly chipped away at the lead, and they eventually took the lead for good with just over four minutes remaining in the game.

The Celtics were led by Brown and Tatum, who both had big games. Brown finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Tatum added 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Haliburton led the Pacers, but he was not able to get enough help from his teammates. Domantas Sabonis finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon added 17 points.

The Celtics will now have a 1-0 lead in the series as they head back to Boston for Game 2 on Thursday night. The Pacers will need to find a way to generate more offense in order to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.