Jaylen Brown scores 40 points as Celtics extend series lead over Pacers

Jaylen Brown's 40-point performance led Boston to a 126-110 win over Indiana, giving the Celtics a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

Brown matched his career playoff high, helping the top-seeded team overcome their Game 2 struggles.

Boston, who won 64 regular-season games, now heads to Indianapolis for Game 3 with control of the series. The Pacers, known for their home court advantage, face uncertainty after Tyrese Haliburton's injury.

Brown's crucial contributions in a 20-0 run secured the victory for the Celtics. Despite recording only two assists, Brown's impact on both ends of the floor was praised by coach Joe Mazzulla.

Indiana initially led after a competitive first quarter, but Boston's strong second quarter performance set the tone for the game. Pascal Siakam's efforts kept the Pacers in the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Celtics' dominance.

Siakam scored early in the third quarter, hitting a three-pointer that brought Indiana within two points. However, Boston managed to extend their lead with a 16-5 scoring run, making it a 13-point lead going into the fourth quarter, preventing the Pacers from closing the gap to double digits.

'Not quite there'
Jayson Tatum overcame a slow start to contribute 23 points, while Derrick White and Holiday added 23 and 15 points respectively for Boston.

Siakam led Indiana's scoring with 28 points, with Haliburton chipping in 10 points and eight assists before exiting the game.

Reflecting on the game, Siakam acknowledged that the Celtics outperformed them in various aspects, particularly in rebounding and second-chance points. The Pacers also struggled with turnovers.

"They just played better," Siakam admitted. "We need to evaluate our performance, learn from it, and focus on the next game."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle provided updates on Haliburton's condition, mentioning that he received treatment for his hamstring and underwent tests after a chest injury during the game.

"We'll have more information tomorrow and likely by Saturday," Carlisle stated.