Once again, the Indiana Pacers matched an impressive first half performance with a completely inept second half showing, turning a potential Game 1 upset into a frustrating and disappointing Game 1 loss. The Pacers controlled things against the Boston Celtics in the first half, outworking them on both ends, forcing turnovers and scoring in transition to build a 45-38 halftime lead.
The game was at the perfect pace for the Pacers, where they played as the aggressors and were able to force the physicality through them. The few times they game got out in the open, it also favored the Pacers, who scored 10 fast break points in the first half.