Box Score: Celtics Edge Pacers in OT in East Finals Opener

Boston Celtics 133, Indiana Pacers 128

Game 1, Eastern Conference Finals, May 23, 2024

Boston, MA - The Boston Celtics survived a late Indiana Pacers rally to escape with a 133-128 overtime win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 36 points, and Jaylen Brown, who hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime and finished with 32 points.

The Pacers were paced by Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 27 points and dished out 10 assists. Myles Turner added 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Buddy Hield chipped in 21 points for the Pacers.The Celtics led by 10 points with less than three minutes to play in regulation, but the Pacers fought back to tie the game and force overtime. Malcolm Brogdon hit a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter to send the game to OT.

In overtime, the Celtics took control of the game and never trailed. Brown scored six of his 32 points in overtime, including the game-winning three-pointer with 1:05 left in the extra period.

The Celtics now have a 1-0 lead in the series and will host the Pacers in Game 2 on Thursday night.