After a thrilling overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jaylen Brown reflected on the Celtics’ preparation for their speedy opponents.
Brown, who contributed 26 points to the Celtics’ 133-128 win, acknowledged the Pacers’ pace, emphasizing that Boston anticipated their rapid style of play.
“We knew they were gonna be fast. It didn’t surprise us. But it’s one thing to see it on film…they just got out of a dog fight against New York and we gotta match their intensity if we’re gonna win this series,” Brown said, via Jared Weiss.
Despite the Pacers’ swift tempo, the Celtics managed to secure a hard-fought victory, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge with a 36-point performance.
Jrue Holiday’s season-high 28 points further bolstered the Celtics’ efforts to maintain home-court advantage.
The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 25 points and 10 assists, put up a formidable fight, showcasing their offensive firepower with 13 made 3-pointers and 56 points in the paint.
Boston, still missing Kristaps Porzingis, faced a tough challenge but managed to overcome the Pacers’ offensive onslaught.
While the Celtics struggled from beyond the arc for much of the game, they rallied when it mattered most, finishing 15 of 45 from 3-point range.
Brown’s clutch 3-pointer in the dying moments of regulation epitomized the Celtics’ determination to seize control of the series.
