![Boston Game 2.jpg](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/sportsinfo/media/media_files/OAdP158lbxN0i5UtlqqW.jpg)
Boston Celtics (Source: X)
Jaylen Brown tied his career playoff record with 40 points, 10 of which helped Boston score 20 points in a row in the first half to create a commanding lead, and Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 126-110 on Thursday night to grab a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Following Game 1, when his 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime, Brown helped Boston transform a five-point first-quarter deficit into a 15-point second-quarter lead. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each scored 23 points, while Jrue Holiday added 15 points and 10 assists for the top-seeded Celtics, who had lost Game 2 in both of their previous playoff series.
For Indiana, which plays Games 3 and 4 at home on Saturday and Monday, Pascal Siakam scored 28 points. Tyrese Haliburton recorded 10 points and 8 assists on Thursday before departing the game in the third quarter due to a painful left leg. In the series opener, Haliburton had 25 points and 10 assists.
Indiana Pacers missed nine consecutive shots
One game after Boston Celtics stormed off to a 12-0 lead and Indiana spent the rest of the half fighting its way back, the lead changed hands ten times in the first quarter, with the Pacers leading 27-22 with 1:14 remaining. Throughout the more than six-minute stretch, Indiana missed nine consecutive shots and committed four turnovers.
Jaylen Brown scored 10 points on his own during the run and 24 at halftime; he started the third quarter with two fast baskets to give the Celtics a 61-52 advantage. But Siakam also came out strong in the second half, scoring four points in the first four minutes - two 2s and two 3s - to make it a two-point game. Boston pulled away again, this time for good, scoring 16 of the last 21 points.
Here are twitter reaction to the news:
#CelticsWin pic.twitter.com/Llpekka6C5
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 24, 2024
Great game. Tatum looked better in the 2nd half. Hopefully he can use it as momentum for game 3
— RoseXO (@RoseTheGod) May 24, 2024
Best Team👏🏾
— Nayz Sports (@Nayz_Sports) May 24, 2024
Amazing Game✌🏾
— Nayz Sports (@Nayz_Sports) May 24, 2024
Great game by JB!! 🙌🙌🙌
— Antony Puzzello (@elusiveduck89) May 24, 2024
Great game and win by the celtics to take a 2-0 series lead. Jaylen Brown was dominant tonight. ☘️☘️
— Ryan Avedisian (@RyanAvedisian1) May 24, 2024
GREAT WIN!!!!!!
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 18 (@BiggLynch) May 24, 2024
Pacers pack 💨 pic.twitter.com/eQBnTHBcs2