Despite the unpleasant loss to Boston, the biggest Pacers concern is Tyrese Haliburton and his health as the All-Star guard left Game 2 with a hamstring injury while he was also dealing with chest discomfort in the half-time.
The Indiana Pacers were unable to follow the Boston Celtics in Game 2 as Jaylen Brown exploded for 40 points to lead his team.
“Losing Ty for the game was a big blow,” Carlisle said in the post-game presser, via MassLive. “We’ll see. We’ll know more tomorrow and probably even more on Saturday. I know you want details. I don’t have much. It’s sore. … He was unable to return.”
After losing Game 1 in OT despite having the upper hand during the last seconds, the Pacers could not be competitive in Game 2 as Boston cruised to a 110-126 victory to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Tyrese Haliburton had 10 points and eight assist prior to his exit.
With Tyrese Haliburton status uncertain, the situation seems to be bleak for the Pacers as the Celtics has dominated the postseason so far. Defense was the key for them keeping Indiana under control from start to finish in Game 2. Game 3 is on Saturday with Tyrese Haliburton status being uncertain.
Aside from Brown, who followed his game-saving three in Game with a 40-piece, Jayson Tatum and Derick White had 23 points apiece. Pascal Siakam finished with 28 points and five rebounds. Andrew Nembhard added 16 points and five assists.
Jaylen Brown makes profound statement on All-NBA team snub
Jayson Tatum was the only Boston Celtics player to make the All-NBA selections this season despite the team’s dominant run in the regular season. The Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown was asked if he felt snubbed after the announcement for the Top-15 players of the league and if the situation motivated him.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Brown said, per NBA.com “We’re two games from the finals. I don’t got time to (care).”
Brown scored 26 points Tuesday night in Game 1, when the Celtics stole the game thanks to some unforced turnovers by the Pacers. Game 3 will be on Saturday with Brown and co. hoping to finish the series as soon as possible.
