For the first time in more than a week, the Celtics were back on the floor for game action on Thursday night. They came back from the All-Star break with a bang, delivering one of the most exciting games of the year so far as they beat the Indiana Pacers 142-138 in overtime in Indianapolis.

The Celtics jumped out to an early lead, and were up by as many as 16 points in the first half. However, the Pacers came back in the second half, cut that lead down and turned the game into a back-and-forth affair. In total, there ended up being 22 lead changes and 14 ties throughout the course of the game.

• Let 'em know 🗣 pic.twitter.com/Lk9aLzW12F

  — Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 24, 2023

• Late in regulation the game got physical, leading to six of the final 14 points coming via free throws. Neither team managed to score in the final 1:40 of regulation, sending the game to overtime.

  In overtime, the Celtics fell behind early but once they gained the lead, they never relinquished it. Marcus Smart led the team with seven points in the overtime period, including going 3-for-3 from the line. Jayson Tatum had six points in the five minutes, getting to the line five times. He also had three of the Celtics’ four overtime assists.

  Tatum, in his first game since winning All-Star Game MVP, had a team-high 31 points despite shooting 9-of-25 from the floor. In total, he got to the free throw line 11 times, hitting 10. He also picked up his 23rd double-double of the year with 12 rebounds, and added seven assists.

  Jaylen Brown had 30 points in his first game back since suffering a facial fracture on Feb. 8. Debuting a new mask, he scored 30 points and put up 11 rebounds.

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  Feb 23, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

• This was also a big game for Malcolm Brogdon, who was playing in Indiana for the first time since getting traded from the Pacers to the Celtics this summer. Brogdon scored 24 points off the bench, and shot a lights-out 9-of-12 from the floor and 5-of-6 from three. He also had seven assists and five rebounds.

  On the other side, it was a player the Celtics had tried to play for in the past that really kept the game close. Center Myles Turner had a game-high 40 points, as well as 10 rebounds. He was 13-of-15 from the floor, and hit a career-high eight three-point attempts.

  With the win, the Celtics improved their NBA-best record to 43-17, which is good for a one-game lead on the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference. The C’s have now won two games in a row and six of their last seven.

  Next up for the Celtics is another big Eastern Conference matchup, when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Coverage will begin at 8 p.m. on 105.7 WROR and the Celtics Radio Network.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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