The Boston Celtics are wanting like they’re going to win the Japanese Convention.
After being lucky to win Recreation 1, Boston cruised to a convincing 126-110 victory on Thursday evening. With the win, the Celtics now maintain a 2-0 sequence lead as motion shifts to Indiana. And whereas some could argue the Pacers are robust to beat at residence, it is clear they do not have sufficient to truly win the sequence.
Coming into Recreation 1, there was motive to consider Indiana may at the least make it a protracted sequence. They play an uptempo model that always seems to be Boston’s kryptonite and the Celtics have misplaced as a heavy favourite up to now.
Nevertheless, the way in which the Pacers unraveled down the stretch with 21 complete turnovers and fully squandered a chance to open the sequence with a win immediately felt like a nasty omen.
No group can afford to blow video games within the playoffs, particularly not on the street towards a deeper opponent. To Indiana’s credit score, and to the credit score of Rick Carlisle, a coach who is aware of the best way to lead a group to a championship, the Pacers responded effectively early on in Recreation 2.
Indiana truly closed the primary quarter with a 27-25 lead. Sadly for Pacers followers, the precise motive Boston is the clear favourite turned evident as the sport progressed.
The Celtics by no means trailed once more from the second quarter on, as three gamers surpassed 20 factors. Jaylen Brown, doubtlessly motivated by an All-NBA snub, led the way in which with precisely 40 factors in 36 minutes. Brown was 14-of-27 from the sphere and was a +18 within the recreation. Brown was additionally removed from going at it alone.
Jayson Tatum scored 23 whereas including six rebounds and 5 assists and Derrick White put collectively one other strong playoff efficiency with 23 as effectively. Jrue Vacation, who was introduced in for his defensive prowess, even added 15 of his personal.
When the Celtics are clicking like they have been in Recreation 2, they’re nearly unattainable to beat. Pascal Siakam did rating 28, granted 20 of his factors got here in seven minutes, however was the one Pacer to even attain 20. Tyrese Haliburton flirted with a double-double earlier than leaving the sport with a leg damage.
Not solely are the Pacers now in an 0-2 sequence gap, it is robust to see a lot motive for optimism. Haliburton’s standing for the remainder of the sequence is up within the air. Carlisle even admitted Haliburton is coping with a “sore” left hamstring in his postgame information convention.
Regardless of the end in Recreation 2, the vibes could be totally different if the Pacers had the cushion of the Recreation 1 win beneath their belt. As an alternative, Recreation 3 is an apparent must-win for Indiana. And regardless that the Pacers have not misplaced a recreation at residence but within the postseason, there’s an actual chance they are going to be with out Haliburton, or he’ll at the least be lower than 100%.
The best way this sequence goes, Boston could not even have to rush Kristaps Porzingis again and might simply fear about getting him prepared for the NBA Finals.
