BOSTON — The Celtics didn’t need any last-minute heroics this time, but at this point in the East Finals, all that matters is the win. That’s exactly what they came away with as the C’s cruised to a 126-110 victory over the Pacers on Thursday in Game 2, taking the 2-0 series lead in the conference finals.
Jaylen Brown — fresh off his All-NBA snub — looked like the clear difference-maker he’s been throughout a career season. He poured in 40 points as his fast start boosted the Celtics to the lead and kept the crowd engaged.
It’s the first time these playoffs the C’s won a Game 2 on their home court, losing both instances against the Heat and Cavaliers. But the Celtics comfortably beat the Pacers on Thursday, ensuring there wouldn’t be any social media overreactions at least for one more night. The best team in the NBA thus far is now two wins away from the NBA Finals.
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But the series is far from over. Indiana faced a 2-0 hole in its East semifinals against the Knicks. The Pacers not only clawed their way back into the series, but they overcame an injury-riddled New York squad over the full seven games. So as the series shifts to Indiana, the C’s will still need to be their sharp selves as they eye another Finals berth. Notably, star guard Tyrese Haliburton left Game 2 early with a left leg injury, which is something both teams will monitor going forward.
Brown’s play led the way, but the C’s got plenty of contributions across the board. Derrick White poured in 23 points and six assists, while Jrue Holiday added 15 points and 10 assists of his own. Jayson Tatum shook off his early struggles, finishing with 23 points and six rebounds, though the C’s didn’t need their star to be overly aggressive Thursday. Pascal Siakam was a problem for Indiana as he had 28 points on 13-for-17 shooting. Now, Game 3 is set for 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Despite the victory, it wasn’t the strongest start for the Celtics in the first quarter. But they kept up with the efficient Pacers via extra opportunities, putting up seven second-chance points in the first alone. Then the C’s woke up to start the second quarter. They put together a 20-0 run spanning quarters, keeping the Pacers scoreless for a stretch of 6:29.
The Garden buzzed as Brown also dominated on his way to a 24-point first half. But the issue for the Celtics — similar to Game 1 — was closing out the end of quarters. Despite the C’s dominance, they were only up by six points by halftime as the Pacers closed on an 8-1 run.
But that was no problem Thursday. While the Pacers cut the C’s lead down to one possession early in the third quarter, it was all Boston from there. The C’s finished the third on a 27-17 run to take control of the game. Of course, the potent Pacers offense is dangerous enough to cut into a deficit quickly.
Yet, the C’s never allowed the visitors to mount a serious comeback threat from there. Haliburton missing the entire fourth quarter didn’t help the Pacers, either, as Indiana coach Rick Carlisle subbed in his bench relatively early. So there was no real comeback threat in Game 2 as the C’s put the finishing touches on the blowout victory.
