The Boston Celtics delivered another commanding performance on Thursday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 126-110 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With this win, Boston takes a 2-0 series lead as the action now shifts to Indiana. The TD Garden crowd witnessed a dominant effort from both ends of the floor, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continued their elite postseason play.
Boston is now just two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons, and they’re showing why they finished the regular season with the league’s best record.
Game / News Breakdown
The Celtics wasted no time asserting themselves in Game 2. After a tightly contested Game 1 that went into overtime, Thursday’s contest was a different story. Boston built momentum early and never looked back.
They outscored Indiana 33-23 in the second quarter, establishing a double-digit lead by halftime. That cushion proved critical as the Celtics kept control through the third and fourth quarters.
Indiana struggled with turnovers and poor perimeter defense, which Boston took full advantage of. The Celtics knocked down 15 three-pointers and kept the ball moving with crisp, unselfish play.
Key team stats from Game 2:
– Celtics shot 47.5% from the field
– 15-for-37 from three-point range
– 27 team assists
– Forced 16 Pacers turnovers
Meanwhile, Indiana had a tough shooting night and couldn’t keep up with Boston’s pace or execution. They also missed the stability of standout guard Tyrese Haliburton, who exited in the third quarter due to a sore left hamstring.
Key Players & Performances
Several Celtics players stepped up in big moments, but the spotlight once again belonged to the All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
– **Jayson Tatum**: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Tatum didn’t need to go into takeover mode, but his steady scoring and floor leadership helped set the tone. He picked his spots, attacked mismatches, and found open shooters throughout the night.
– **Jaylen Brown**: 40 points on 14-of-27 shooting
Brown was sensational. From three-point range to mid-range pull-ups and aggressive drives, he kept pressure on Indiana’s defense every trip down the floor. This tied his career playoff high and was crucial in building momentum for Boston.
– **Derrick White**: 23 points, 6 assists
White continues to be Boston’s X-factor. He played tough defense, hit timely shots, and ran the offense when needed.
From the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam battled with 28 points and 5 rebounds on an efficient shooting night, but he didn’t get enough help—especially with Haliburton going down.
Team Impact & Standings
With the Game 2 win, Boston holds a 2-0 lead in the series and remains unbeaten at home in these playoffs. They’ve now won 8 of their last 9 postseason games, and the team’s chemistry and health have been major factors.
The Celtics remain the clear favorite to win the Eastern Conference. Their defensive communication, offensive versatility, and deep roster continue to be too much for opponents.
For Indiana, this loss stings. They had a real chance to steal Game 1 but lost in overtime. Now without Haliburton at full strength, the challenge grows even steeper. The Pacers will need their home crowd and bench to provide a serious push in Game 3.
What’s Next
The series moves to Indiana for Game 3 on Saturday night, where the Pacers will try to bounce back and keep their season alive. All eyes will be on Tyrese Haliburton’s health status, which could significantly impact the outcome.
Key things to watch in Game 3:
– Will Haliburton be available, and if so, how effective can he be?
– Can the Pacers get more offensive production from their role players?
– Will Boston’s defense continue disrupting the Pacers’ fast-paced offense?
This will be Indiana’s most important game of the season — a loss would push them into a daunting 3-0 hole, a deficit no team in NBA history has recovered from.
Conclusion
Boston looks every bit like a title contender through two games. Their depth, discipline, and star power have separated them so far from the Pacers. As the series shifts to Indiana, the pressure is squarely on the home team. The Celtics, riding a wave of momentum, are just two wins from a return to the Finals, and their focus only seems to be sharpening. Saturday’s Game 3 will be a must-watch as the Pacers fight to turn the tide.