The Celtics vs. Pacers Game 2 is bound to be an interesting matchup. Once again with the home-court advantage, the Celtics look to extend their first victory tonight as well, preferably without an OT. The previous matchup had come too close for comfort at certain points, but the ‘Beantown’ weren’t the favorites since the start of the season for nothing. Their performance displayed the title contenders in all their glory, with a bandwagon of celebs watching!
The Pacers, for their part, did not come this far easily, either. Granted, their opponents were severely shorthanded with injured players. Yet, those who suited up ensured the matchups weren’t in any way easy.
TD Garden dazzles in the light of celebrities from multiple genres!
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The NBA celeb row features none other than the British singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran, in a Celtics sweatshirt. The Shape of You artist was seen making his rounds, talking, and dapping various players.
Derrick White, in particular, seemed to be engrossed in an engaging conversation with the Grammy winner. The Boston Celtics’ official X account posted the wholesome moment. “Derrick White chatting with Ed Sheeran courtside,” followed by a star-struck emoji.
Derrick White chatting with Ed Sheeran courtside 🤩 @Dwhite921 @edsheeran pic.twitter.com/QvQe5xADmA
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 23, 2024
But that’s not all. New Mexico Lobos guard and Celtics 2008 champion, Eddie House’s son, Jaelen House, joined the Pre-Game Live by NBC Sports Boston. Coming from a rich basketball heritage, the younger House is training with the Celtics as he’s getting ready for the NBA draft.
Very special guest Jaelen House joins PGL! He talks about working out with the Celtics and the process of getting ready for the NBA Draft @jaelenhouse10 @EddieHouse_50 pic.twitter.com/h9CAIUV2Og
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2024
If you thought we were done, nope! Also in the building is the baseball manager for the Red Sox, Alex Cora. The MLB legend and 3x World Series Champion has played for 14 seasons with six different teams. And all of them are notable names like the Mets, Rangers, Dodgers, Indians, Nationals, and Sox.
Alex Cora courtside for Celtics vs. Pacers #RedSox 📸 pic.twitter.com/0LEYp6wGN1
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2024
If that isn’t enough, the TD Garden also has a legendary football coach in the building. Bill Belichick, the 8x Super Bowl champion (6 as HC and 2 as an assistant coach), was the longest-tenured head coach and the de facto GM of the Patriots. Spotted late, but Regina George is also enjoying a night out with an intense playoff game.
No idea who we are referring to? Reneé Rapp, a.k.a Regina George from the Broadway Musical, Mean Girls, was seen enjoying a drink with Ed Sheeran courtside.
In the house were also a few colleagues. Charlotte Hornets’ brand new GM Jeff Peterson, Hornets rookie Brandon Miller, and center Mark Williams were sitting courtside. According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, they came to “support recently hired coach Charles Lee, who is finishing out the playoffs as Joe Mazzulla’s lead assistant.”
However, when Tyrese Haliburton left the game because of left leg soreness, the Pacers’ fate was sealed.
Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, as Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 40 points
Jaylen Brown was on fire tonight! That would be the short and sweet version of it.
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The Celtics’ second superstar was off the charts in Game 2 as he contributed to the team with a 40-piece. This is the second time that he’s scored 40 points in a playoff game. The last time was in 2022 when Boston lost to the Miami Heat 103-109 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jayson Tatum and White became the second-leading scorers of the team with 23 points each. Pascal Siakam of Indiana seemed to take the lead in getting his team out of the woods, but there was only so much the veteran forward could do on his own. Siakam led the scoring in the Pacers with 28 points as just three others scored in double digits.
Just like that, the Celtics have taken a 2-0 lead in the EC finals series. The Jays and Co. will next meet at the Pacers’ home ground. Considering how Boston has performed so far, the change in the venue shouldn’t make much of a difference. What did you think of tonight’s outing? Will this end up being the easiest series sweep of the season?
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Before you go, another matter foremost in our mind is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s confidante and ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.