It was far from easy, but Boston found a way to take the series lead.
Jayson Tatum and the Celtics found their way in a rocky opener Tuesday. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
The first Celtics-Pacers game was an instant classic, as Boston won 133-128 in an overtime thriller at TD Garden.
Here are 10 images that tell the story of a memorable night, in chronological order.
1. The opening tip
Myles Turner and Al Horford stand up in unison to open the game. It was an intense battle from the start. – Charles Krupa/AP Photo
2. The steamy start
Jaylen Brown attacks his old friend Aaron Nesmith for the first points of the match. The Celtics started on a 12-0 run and dictated the action from the start. – Michael Dwyer/AP Photo
3. The emergence of Myles Turner
The Pacers, fueled by Myles Turner, came back strong to cut the deficit to 34-31 by 1 and tie it at 64 at halftime. – Michael Dwyer/AP Photo
4. The Tyrese Haliburton Uprisings
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton hit some tough 3-pointers to end the second and third quarters. – Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
5. Celebrities at your fingertips
Many celebrities were in the house, including David Ortiz, Drake Maye and Guy Fieri. – Barry Chin stick/globe
6. Jrue Holiday’s versatility
The Celtics wouldn’t have won this game without Jrue Holiday, who scored 28 points, played defense and kept his composure amid the drama. – Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
7. Jaylen Brown’s Hustle
Jaylen Brown blocks a shot, then scrambles to save the ball from Aaron Nesmith and give the Celtics possession. Boston heads into fourth place clinging to a 94-93 advantage over a Pacers team that won’t give in. – Barry Chin/Globe Staff
8. Indiana’s late surge
The Celtics led 104-101, then the Pacers orchestrated a quick 7-0 run to take a four-point advantage with 4:34 remaining. Pascal Siakam found a rhythm and worked well in tandem with Tyrese Haliburton. – Michael Dwyer/AP Photo
9. The blow
The Celtics seemed destined to drop Game 1, but Jaylen Brown had other ideas. He made an outstanding defensive play to give the Celtics possession, then scored a game-tying 3-pointer in front of the Pacers bench with 5.7 seconds remaining. Jayson Tatum stopped Tyrese Haliburton on the ensuing possession, sending the game into overtime. – Barry Chin/Globe Staff
10. Jayson Tatum’s masterful overtime
Jayson Tatum buries a clutch 3-pointer on Tyrese Haliburton. Tatum, who scored 10 of his 36 points in overtime, helped the Celtics escape, 133-28, in a wild game at TD Garden. Game 2 will take place Thursday evening. – Barry Chin/Globe Staff
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