Jaylen Brown shines as Celtics take 2-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead on Pacers

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

For the second straight game, Boston Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown was the talk of the series. In game one it was because of a dramatic game-tying shot that forced overtime. In game two it was because of his overall play, as Brown tied a career postseason high of 40 points in a 126-110 Celtics win over the Indiana Pacers. With the win, the Celtics took a two games to none series lead in the Eastern Conference Final.

On Thursday, Brown completed 14 of 27 field goals,  made four of 10 three point shots, and eight of 11 free throws. He also had five rebounds, two assists and one steal, and was a +18. Brown was one of two Celtics who were a +18. The other was Canadian forward Oshae Brissett of Toronto, Ontario, who accomplished the feat coming off the bench in only 12 minutes and nine seconds worth of action.

The only other time Brown scored 40 points in a playoff game came in a Celtics loss. It occurred on May 21, 2022 in game three of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, in a 109-103 Celtics loss to the Miami Heat. 

Four more Celtics reached double digits in scoring on Thursday. They were forward Jayson Tatum of St. Louis, Missouri (23 points), guard Derrick White of Parker, Colorado (23 points), guard Jrue Holiday of Chatsworth, California (15 points), and guard Payton Pritchard of Tualatin, Oregon, who had 12 points off the bench.  Holiday had the double-double as he had 10 assists, while center Al Horford of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic had 1o rebounds.

The series now shifts to Indiana. Game three will be on Saturday night at 8:30 PM ET.

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