Celtics Outlast Pacers, Take 2-0 Series Lead in Eastern Conference Finals
It was another nail-biter in Boston as the Celtics proved their mettle in a 126-110 Game 2 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. With the victory, the Celtics move two games ahead in the Eastern Conference Finals and continue their dominant run through the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The final score doesn’t quite tell the full story. The Pacers kept it tight until late in the fourth quarter, but a late push from Jayson Tatum and key contributions off the bench helped Boston pull away down the stretch.
Game / News Breakdown
Coming into Game 2, all eyes were on Indiana’s ability to bounce back after a gut-wrenching overtime loss in Game 1. The Pacers showed up with aggression, pushing the tempo early. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge, orchestrating the offense and exposing gaps in Boston’s transition defense.
However, Boston’s poise under pressure won the night. They tightened up defensively in the second half, limiting Indiana’s three-point looks and forcing key turnovers. The final 12 minutes saw Boston outscore the Pacers by 16 points, a testament to their championship-level execution.
Some game highlights:
– Boston shot 54.1% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc.
– Indiana kept pace for three quarters but struggled with turnovers late.
– Both teams committed to small-ball lineups, but Boston’s versatility gave them the edge.
Defense was the story of the fourth quarter. While the Celtics didn’t dominate early, they clamped down when it mattered most, closing the door on Indiana’s upset hopes.
Key Players & Performances
For Boston, Jayson Tatum was once again the go-to guy. He finished with 36 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his scoring versatility and leadership. Every time Indiana threatened to make a run, Tatum had an answer.
Jaylen Brown wasn’t far behind, adding 23 points and playing stout perimeter defense. Jrue Holiday stepped up too, contributing a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists, controlling the tempo when the game got tight.
Key Celtics Performances:
– Jayson Tatum: 36 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST
– Jaylen Brown: 23 PTS, 5 REB
– Jrue Holiday: 14 PTS, 11 AST, 2 STL
For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton had another strong outing with 25 points and 10 assists—although signs of fatigue showed in the fourth. Myles Turner added 22 points and was efficient from deep, helping stretch Boston’s defense.
Key Pacers Performances:
– Tyrese Haliburton: 25 PTS, 10 AST
– Myles Turner: 22 PTS, 7 REB
– Pascal Siakam: 18 PTS, 6 REB
Ultimately, Boston’s deeper rotation and execution in crunch time made the difference. Bench players like Derrick White and Al Horford delivered critical stops and timely buckets when it mattered most.
Team Impact & Standings
With the Game 2 win, Boston now leads the best-of-seven series 2-0 and holds all the momentum heading into Game 3 in Indianapolis. They remain unbeaten at home in the playoffs and look every bit like a team on a mission to return to the NBA Finals.
Indiana, on the other hand, has shown it can compete—but closing games against elite opponents is proving to be the challenge. Even though the series shifts to their home court, the Pacers now face the difficult task of winning four out of the next five games to keep their hopes alive.
Series Update:
– Boston Celtics: Lead Series 2-0
– Indiana Pacers: Facing a crucial Game 3 at home
Boston continues to justify its No. 1 seed in the East, while Indiana must now focus on protecting home court to extend the series.
What’s Next
Game 3 takes place Saturday night in Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and it’s a must-win for the Pacers. Falling behind 3-0 is historically a death sentence in a playoff series—no team has ever come back from that deficit in NBA history.
Key storylines to watch:
– Can Haliburton maintain his offensive pace without gassing out late?
– Will Boston’s veterans continue to outplay Indiana’s younger bench?
– How do the Pacers adjust to slow down Boston’s fourth-quarter surges?
Expect Indiana to come out swinging at home, possibly shortening the rotation and leaning more on their veteran starters.
Conclusion
The Celtics took care of business again and now hold a strong 2-0 lead over Indiana. Tatum and Brown are leading the charge, while the rest of the roster is thriving in their roles. But don’t count out the Pacers just yet—Indiana has shown poise all postseason and will look to bounce back in front of its home crowd. Game 3 should be an intense showdown with the series hanging in the balance.