BOSTON — Not sure if most Boston Celtics fans are happy or excited, but the Celtics ended up outlasting the Indiana Pacers in game 1 of the eastern conference finals in overtime, 133-128.

What looked liked it was going to be a Wednesday morning filled with sports shows scolding the C’s because the Pacers was up three points with 10 seconds left in the game after a missed Jayson Tatum shot. However, Jaylen Brown hit the game-tying corner three-pointer with Pascal Siakam draped all over him to bring the game to extra minutes 117-117.

In overtime, Tatum helped close the deal with a big three-point play and a three-pointer to close the game. Brown said after the game in overtime JT finally “decided to wake up”. Tatum finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points, seven boards, and five assists.

In my opinion, Jrue Holiday deserved the MVP for the game with his play on both sides of the floor. He finished second in scoring on the C’s team with 28 points. But it was a forced turnover he made in overtime when guarding Tyrese Haliburton that really sealed it for me. It just goes to show how important having a player with championship DNA on your team is.

Good side for C’s fans

The good side for Celtics fans is that the Celtics took game 1 without Kristaps Porzingis. Of course, the C’s have struggled at home at times during the playoffs. Although Jayson Tatum made some bad plays, he made up for it in the overtime. Jaylen Brown also proved to be worth the expensive contract that he signed. The two stars certainly have stepped up on both sides of the floor. Tatum grabbed boards and defended the paint, and Brown made a clutch strip on Siakam in OT.

Where the worry is

Of course, without the Brown three-pointer with five seconds left in the game, the Celtics go into game 2 down. It was expected that the Celtics’ front court would struggle with Myles Turner and Siakam on the Pacers side and Porzingis out, but that just means the back court for the Celtics need to do better. Derrick White struggled greatly on offense, not only as a shooter but also as a passer. White made some passes and so did Tatum in the second half. The Pacers may feel depleted that they let this game slip away, but they also may be amped up that they know they can compete with the C’s on the road.