Jaylen Brown Knew the Pacers Were Tough After Facing Them in the ECF Last Year 😅 (🎥 @nbcsboston)

Jaylen Brown isn’t easily impressed. As one of the Boston Celtics’ cornerstone stars, he’s faced some of the league’s toughest competition year in and year out. But there’s one team that left a lasting impression on him—the Indiana Pacers.

After battling them in the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) last year, Brown made it clear that the Pacers earned his respect.

“They’re not a team you can sleep on,” Brown told @nbcsboston with a chuckle, wiping sweat from his brow. “We knew from last year—they don’t go away.”

Brown’s words carry weight. The Celtics emerged victorious in that 2024 ECF matchup, but it wasn’t without a dogfight. Every game was a gritty clash of willpower, with the Pacers refusing to be overwhelmed by Boston’s high-powered roster. Whether it was Tyrese Haliburton dishing out dimes or Myles Turner anchoring the paint, the Pacers showed heart—and Brown hasn’t forgotten it.

Last Year’s ECF: A Test of Toughness

Going into the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, many analysts predicted the Celtics would roll over the Pacers in four or five games. But Indiana didn’t get that memo.

Despite being considered underdogs, the Pacers pushed Boston in every quarter. Haliburton, in particular, was phenomenal, averaging 23 points and 9 assists during the series. His fearless playstyle and clutch shooting gave the Celtics headaches, especially when he orchestrated late-game runs that nearly turned the tide.

Jaylen Brown, who averaged 25 points and 7 rebounds in that series, found himself in a back-and-forth duel with the Pacers’ defenders. Whether guarded by Aaron Nesmith or Andrew Nembhard, Brown had to earn every bucket.

“I’ve been in a lot of tough playoff series,” Brown reflected. “But that one? That was different. They came at us every possession.”

Respect Earned, Not Given

There’s something to be said for teams that grow through adversity. The Pacers didn’t back down in the ECF, and they carried that same edge into the 2025 season. Brown took note.

“This isn’t the same young team from two or three years ago,” he said. “They’ve matured. You can feel it in the way they communicate, the way they move without the ball. They’re smart. They’re physical. And they believe they belong.”

Brown’s appreciation for Indiana’s rise is genuine. He’s not just being politically correct or hyping up a random opponent. He’s speaking from the experience of having survived the Pacers’ relentless style in a high-stakes series.

It’s rare to see a superstar openly credit another team’s mental toughness, especially in today’s era of trash talk and bravado. But Brown isn’t afraid to admit when someone earns his respect.

The 2025 Rematch Looms Large

Now, with another playoff run in sight, there’s a strong chance these two teams will meet again. The Pacers, buoyed by Haliburton’s All-NBA campaign and the emergence of Bennedict Mathurin as a true two-way force, are poised for another deep run.

And Brown? He’s more prepared than ever.

“We’re not taking anything for granted,” he told @nbcsboston. “Every team’s hungry, but Indiana… they’re starving.”

The Celtics may have more star power, but they know from last year’s dogfight that raw talent alone won’t be enough.

Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed Brown’s sentiment: “They play with pace and discipline. They’re one of the few teams that can punch you in the mouth and keep swinging. That’s what makes them dangerous.”

Off the Court, On the Mind

Even during the regular season, Brown admitted that the Pacers are one of the teams he watches tape of the most.

“You don’t want to be caught slipping,” he said. “They run these sneaky off-ball sets, and they’re always trying to create chaos with backdoor cuts. You gotta be locked in mentally.”

That mental focus isn’t something every team demands. But Indiana, with head coach Rick Carlisle’s steady hand and a hungry locker room, forces opponents to elevate their game.

For Brown, that’s a good thing.

“I love it,” he smiled. “Iron sharpens iron. You want to face the best. That’s how you grow.”

Mutual Respect Between Rivals

Interestingly, it’s not just Brown talking. Several Pacers players have publicly praised Brown’s leadership and competitive fire. Tyrese Haliburton once called him “one of the most complete wings in the league” and said that guarding Brown is “like trying to slow down a tank with handles.”

There’s a budding rivalry here—but one built on mutual respect. And fans are here for it.

“Jaylen’s one of those guys you can’t rattle,” said Myles Turner. “He’s going to show up every night and make you earn it. That’s the kind of guy you love to compete against.”

Looking Ahead

As the postseason approaches, Celtics and Pacers fans alike are watching the standings closely. If fate delivers another ECF showdown between these two squads, expect fireworks.

Brown certainly is.

“If we see them again, it’s going to be another war,” he grinned. “And we’ll be ready.”

From the look in his eyes, it’s clear that Jaylen Brown isn’t just saying the right things—he means them. Last year’s ECF left a mark on him. And if history repeats itself, fans can expect another unforgettable clash between two teams who respect, challenge, and elevate each other.

One thing’s for sure: Jaylen Brown won’t underestimate the Pacers ever again.