Jaylen Brown goes for 40, Celtics win Game 2 of East Finals 126-110 (2024)

Indiana had a stellar open to the game, shooting a blistering 57.9% from the field in the first frame. As has been the case all season, the Pacers played with purpose and urgency on each possession, and moved just a step or two faster than Boston on defense.

The Celtics, meanwhile, couldn’t quite find a shooting rhythm. The guys in green were a pedestrian 41.7% from the field. Boston compensated with hustle and effort, however. The Celtics had 6 offensive rebounds in the first quarter alone, and 13 in the game.

Staying aggressive kept Boston from falling behind, even though they didn’t have much of a shooting touch. Indiana held a slim 27-25 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Celtics roared into life to open the second period. Boston scored the first 17 points of the quarter, outscoring Indiana 32-24 in the quarter overall.

Brown was the engine for the Celtics’ hot offense. He had 24 points at halftime on 8-for-16 shooting. He also took 8 free throws in the frame, playing through a lot of physical yet ineffective defense from Indiana. The Garden crowd even gave Brown an “MVP” chant during one trip to the foul line, underscoring what an epic stretch it was for the All-Star.

Despite Brown’s explosive play, the Pacers found a bit of composure toward the end of the second. Indiana was able to cut into Boston’s lead by halftime, though the Celtics were ahead 57-51 going into the third.

May 23, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts with guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the first half during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana’s Pascal Siakam was stellar in Game 3, and his offense in the third quarter was pivotal. His length was also key on the defensive end for the Pacers.

Siakam ended the game with 28 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 13-for-17 from the field in the process. In fact, Indiana shot 52.6% for the field as a team, but were unable to string together enough stops to slow Boston’s own high-powered offense.

That was certainly true in the third, when the Celtics played as a team. This included 10 points in the quarter from Payton Pritchard, who provided a big spark off the bench. Oshae Brissett also contributed in a big way, especially once Luke Kornet was sidelined with a wrist sprain.

The fourth quarter started with disaster for the Pacers. All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton was ruled out for the remainder of the game with what Indiana called “leg soreness.” Haliburton dealt with a hamstring injury in his left leg for much of the regular season.

Boston began to pull away for good early in the fourth, aided by sharp 3-point shooting. In fact, outside of Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser, who combined to go 1-for-11 from 3 for the game, the rest of the Celtics shot 14-for-26 from deep Thursday night. This shooting doomed any chance at a comeback for Indiana.

Boston is now one step closer to returning to the NBA Finals and contending for an 18th title. Game 3 is set for Saturday night in Indiana.

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