NBA playoffs: Jaylen Brown's clutch 3 stuns Indiana as Celtics rip Game 1 from Pacers in OT

The Boston Celtics secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with Jaylen Brown's clutch performance stealing the spotlight. The Celtics triumphed 133-128 after a dramatic series of events in the final moments of regulation and the ensuing overtime period.
The Pacers seemed poised for an upset, holding a 115-110 lead late in the fourth quarter and maintaining a 117-114 advantage with just 10 seconds left. However, a critical turnover on an inbounds pass by Andrew Nembhard, aimed at Tyrese Haliburton but intercepted by Brown, set the stage for Boston’s comeback. Brown nailed a three-pointer from the left corner with 5.7 seconds remaining, tying the game at 117-117 and sending it into overtime.
In the extra session, Jayson Tatum took control, scoring 10 of his game-high 36 points. His three-pointer with 42.8 seconds left extended Boston’s lead to 127-123, effectively sealing the win. Tatum’s performance was complemented by Jrue Holiday, who contributed a season-high 28 points along with eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. Brown, despite hitting just one of his four three-point attempts, finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, with his lone successful three-pointer being the game’s pivotal moment.
Indiana’s offense was impressive throughout the game, shooting 53.5% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 25 points, 10 assists, and three steals, hitting six of his 14 three-point attempts, including a spectacular logo three-pointer to tie the game at halftime and another at the third-quarter buzzer. Pascal Siakam added 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Myles Turner scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
However, turnovers plagued the Pacers, particularly in the critical moments. They committed 21 turnovers, including three in overtime and a crucial giveaway in the final minute of regulation. The Celtics capitalized on these mistakes, turning defensive plays into offensive opportunities.
The game had a dramatic start, with the Celtics jumping to a 12-0 lead within the first three minutes. The Pacers quickly responded, tying the game at 64-64 by halftime. The second half saw both teams exchanging runs, with Indiana taking a brief lead early in the third quarter before Boston responded with a 13-0 run. The Pacers fought back, cutting the deficit to one point at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was tightly contested, with neither team able to pull away until the final seconds. Haliburton’s three-pointer started the scoring in overtime, but Boston regained the lead and never looked back, securing a 1-0 series lead.
The Celtics managed this victory without their starting forward Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since their first-round series against the Miami Heat. Porzingis is expected to potentially return by Game 4.
This win gives the Celtics an early advantage in the series, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments. For the Pacers, the loss is a bitter pill, knowing they had a golden opportunity slip through their fingers due to late-game errors.