Celtics Outlast Pacers in Game 1 of East Finals

Jayson Tatum Scores 36, Jaylen Brown Hits Clutch 3-Pointer to Force Overtime

BOSTON, Mass. - The Boston Celtics escaped with a 133-128 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday.

Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 36 points, including 8-of-13 from three-point range. Jaylen Brown added 26 points, including a clutch three-pointer to force overtime with just 0.5 seconds remaining in regulation. Domantas Sabonis had a team-high 27 points for the Pacers.

The Celtics led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, but the Pacers rallied to tie the game with just 3.5 seconds left in regulation. Brown's three-pointer sent the game to overtime, where the Celtics outscored the Pacers 18-8.

The Celtics now hold a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 will be played in Boston on Thursday night.