Boston Celtics Outlast Pacers

Celtics win 133-128 for 3-2 series lead

Jayson Tatum led the way with 31 points as the Celtics pulled out a 133-128 victory over the Pacers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Pacers nearly had this one but Jayson Tatum made a huge difference.

The Celtics now lead the series 3-2 and can close it out at home in Game 6 on Thursday. The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to win both games at home to force a Game 7.

Tatum was 11-of-22 from the field and hit 5-of-11 from three-point range. He also added 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Jaylen Brown added 24 points for the Celtics, while Marcus Smart had 22 points and 8 assists. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton added 23 points.

The Celtics jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers fought back to tie the game at 30-30 after one. The Celtics led by 5 at the half, and they stretched their lead to 10 in the third quarter.

The Pacers made it a one-point game in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics hit some big shots down the stretch to seal the victory.

Game 6 of the series is Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.