Up 10-0 four minutes into the game.

Next, down by 10 late in the third quarter.

Then, about 10 chances to take the lead and end the series.

The end result: Celtics 92 and the Pacers 89.

The Pacers had the Boston Celtics on the ropes Thursday night, on more than one occasion. They played excellent defense down the stretch and had multiple opportunities to take the lead in the final three minutes. Paul Pierce even lost his cool at a very inopportune time and got tossed. Then, Kendrick Perkins missed two free throws that would have given the Celtics a lead. The Pacers had the ball and plenty of time when Reggie Miller, possibly looking for one more magical moment, missed a deep three pointer from the left corner.

The buzzer sounded and off to overtime went the Pacers and Celtics.

The Pacers seemed to have the advantage over the then Pierce-less Celtics. Instead the inexperienced Celtics came ready and did just enough to get out of Conseco Fieldhouse with a victory. Antonie Walker led the Celtics with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Paul Pierce had 20 points and 11 rebounds of his own. Jermaine O?Neal scored a game-high 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

On many occasions, it looked like the Pacers were going to finally pull away and send the Celtics packing. But, they never did as they missed shot after shot with a chance to earn their first lead since the second quarter. Instead the Pacers will board a plane, not headed for Detroit, but for Boston. Game 7 will need to be one of mental toughness for the visiting Indiana Pacers. In the minds of the players will be the trials and tribulations of their season, the pain from Thursday?s loss, the chance to face their rival the Pistons in the second round, and the fact that a loss would end Reggie Miller?s career.

In his post game interview Antonie Walker said, ?I think Reggie might have just played his last game in this building.?