Celtics explode in second half, down Pacers in Game 1

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics took a 1-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers with an 84-74 victory in Game 1 of the NBA's first round of the playoffs.

Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris Sr. led all scorers with 20 points each in the contest. Al Horford recorded a double-double in the win, tallying 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Cory Joseph led the Pacers with 14 points, while Bojan Boganovic finished as the only Indiana starter with double-digit points (12).

Trailing 45-38 at halftime, Boston outscored Indiana 46-29 in the second half, thanks largely to a 26-8 thumping in the third quarter.

The Celtics attempted 77 shots from the field, converting 28 of them for a 36.4 field goal percentage. From beyond the arc, Boston shot 35.7%, drilling 10 of their 28 attempted triples. Both of their percentages bested those on the Pacers, as Indiana shot 32.9% from the field and 22.2% from the 3-point line.

Related: Pacers, Celtics enter playoff matchup looking for redemption

In addition to outscoring the Pacers, the Celtics also dominated on the glass, outrebounding the opposition, 56-42.

Game 2 between the Celtics and Pacers will be at TD Garden in Boston on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

Cox Media Group