Indiana Pacers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Celtics

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 14: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics and Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers go after loose ball during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. The Celtics can’t be underestimated in the second half

Twice now, Indiana has squandered a somewhat-comfortable lead and crumbled in the second half after putting up a good fight to start the game. The difference in game 2 was that, even with the eight-minute drought in the fourth quarter, the Pacers were a literal minute away from a win before the Celtics turned an Al Horford block on Bojan Bogdonavic into a 10-point run in the final 58 seconds.

Both teams shot exceptionally better in this game, and it was much more fun to watch. But the pressure got to the Pacers after Horford’s late block and it led to a discouraging series of plays afterward — a missed Wesley Matthews three, turnover, and an and-one dunk by Tatum to seal the win for Boston.

Shot selection at this point in the series has to be near-perfect if the Pacers want to save themselves. Boston’s defense showed last night that one slip could turn into a blowout if they aren’t careful.

Tonight's Play of the Game is a spectacular glimpse at the team-oriented play that stole the game away from Indiana late in the fourth! https://t.co/PxrYCplGxb
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2019

As good as the Pacers’ defense has been this series, they’ll need smarter offense if they want a fighting chance against this Celtics squad.

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