The Boston Celtics secured a 133-128 victory over the Indiana Pacers in overtime in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jaylen Brown of the Celtics hit a three-pointer with six seconds left, tying the game at 117-117 and forcing overtime at the TD Garden in Boston.
Jayson Tatum, who scored a total of 36 points, hit a three-pointer followed by a lay-up from Derrick White in the final minute, securing the win for the top-seeded Celtics.
“Welcome to the NBA playoffs. Anything can happen,” said Brown, who contributed 26 points in the game, which was broadcast live on BBC One. “It’s not over until the final buzzer sounds. We found a way to win at the very end.”
The Pacers committed 21 turnovers, including one just before Brown’s crucial three-pointer. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took responsibility for the loss, admitting he should have called a timeout before Brown’s shot.
The second game of the series will also be held at TD Garden on Thursday.
The winner of this best-of-seven series will advance to the NBA Finals to face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Dallas Mavericks, who are competing in the Western Conference Finals.
