Celtics vs. Pacers: Celtics Lead 2-0 Series | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Jaylen Brown scores 40 points to lead Boston Celtics to 126-110 victory over Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of playoffs.

In a thrilling matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, forward Jaylen Brown put on a show by scoring a game-high 40 points, leading the Celtics to a 126-110 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Brown's impressive performance, shooting 14 of 27 from the floor and making 8 of 11 free throws, propelled Boston to a 2-0 series lead. The Pacers, despite the efforts of Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, could not close the gap as Boston maintained a double-digit lead throughout the game.

As the series now shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3, the Celtics are riding high on their dominant performance. However, the Pacers face uncertainty with the availability of point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who left the game with left hamstring soreness. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern over the impact of Haliburton's absence on the team's performance moving forward.

The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, displayed a balanced offensive attack, with Al Horford contributing on the boards with 10 rebounds. Brown's first-half explosion, coupled with a 20-0 run by Boston, set the tone for the game as the Celtics surged ahead and never looked back. Despite Indiana's resilience, Boston's strong defense and execution proved to be the difference.

Looking ahead to Game 3, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. The Pacers, with a perfect home record in the playoffs, are determined to bounce back and protect their turf. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for his team to stay focused and execute their game plan effectively in the face of a resilient Pacers squad.

Injuries to Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis added to the drama of the game, highlighting the physical toll of playoff basketball. With the series far from over, both teams will need to dig deep and showcase their best to secure a spot in the NBA Finals. The stage is set for an intense battle as the Celtics and Pacers continue their quest for Eastern Conference supremacy.