The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers tipped off Game 1 of their first round series on Sunday afternoon in Boston and following a lackluster first half, the Celtics took a 1-0 series lead over the Pacers thanks to a 26-8 third quarter.
At one point, the Pacers went 0-9 from the field to start the second half and they didn’t score their first points until the 1:27 mark of the quarter. The Celtics’ defense helped get them their victory despite struggling on the offensive side of the floor.
In fact, it was the Celtics lowest shooting percentage on the season, yet because of their hustle and determination — their embodiment of the player that the injured Marcus Smart is — won the game.
The Celtics were led by Kyrie Irving, who finished with 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. They were also fueled by Marcus Morris, who finished with 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench, He was certainly the energy guy for the Celtics’ second unit and came through on both ends when they needed it the most.
After a slow start, Al Horford posted a double-double and finished with 11 rebounds, 10 points, five assists and a steal.
Game 3 will be back in Boston Wednesday night with a 7 P.M. EST tipoff time on TNT.
