Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] The Boston Celtics rallied to defeat the Indiana Pacers 133-128 in overtime of Game 1 of their Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night at TD Garden. A key Pacers decision had fans buzzing.
With the Pacers leading 117-114 and under 8.5 seconds left, Boston inbounded the ball to Jaylen Brown, who hit a corner 3-pointer to tie the game. Indiana’s Pascal Siakam was instructed not to foul, allowing Brown to take the shot uncontested.
This decision was immediately questioned, notably by LeBron James, who tweeted, “And yall still wanna (sic) know why I would foul up 3 EVERY SINGLE TIME??” Former NBA player Chandler Parsons echoed this sentiment, and many others also criticized the choice not to foul and send Brown to the free throw line.
The game went to overtime tied at 117, and Boston outscored Indiana 16-11 in the extra period to secure the win. While the non-foul strategy drew attention, the Pacers are likely more concerned with their 21 turnovers.