Boston Celtics Escape with Game 1 Victory Over Indiana Pacers in Overtime

Tatum Matches Career High, Holiday Delivers Late Heroics

May 25, 2024 | 11:33 PM EST

The Boston Celtics narrowly escaped with a 133-128 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers in game one of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, played on Tuesday, May 25th. Jayson Tatum matched his playoff career high with 36 points, while Jrue Holiday provided the late-game heroics that sealed the win.

The Pacers dominated the first half, building a commanding 30-point lead. However, the Celtics gradually chipped away at the deficit in the second half, hitting several key shots and capitalizing on Pacers' turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Celtics tied the game with just minutes remaining. The two teams traded baskets back and forth, resulting in the game being sent into overtime.

In overtime, the Celtics took control early and never looked back. Holiday hit a crucial 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining to put the Celtics up four points.

Haliburton led the Pacers with 33 points, but his efforts ultimately fell short. The Celtics' defense held the Pacers to just 38% shooting in the second half, including just 25% from three-point range.

The Celtics will now look to take a 2-0 lead in the series when they host the Pacers again on Thursday, May 27th. The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find a way to contain Tatum and the Celtics' offense.