Three stars from Thursday's NBA playoffs

Derrick White, Boston Celtics guard | 23 points, four three-pointers 

The Celtics' Swiss army knife unsurprisingly contributed on both ends of the floor in Thursday's win. 

White recorded 23 points but was also remarkably efficient, shooting 8-of-15 from the floor and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, he also set the tone on defense, adding a steal and a block while forcing several offensive fouls in Game 2. 

Perhaps most importantly, he acted as a vocal leader and a stabilizing force. Following their blowout victory, White cautioned that the Celtics must keep the pedal to the medal. 

"It's going to be a big challenge," White told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt. "We know they're going to play better, so we gotta up it up." 

Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers forward | 28 points, five rebounds

If there was a bright spot for the Pacers in Game 2, it was the effort of Siakam. In a game of runs, at times, he was the only thing keeping Indiana in the hunt. 

After being outshined in Game 1 by Tyrese Haliburton, who left Thursday's game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury, Siakam carried the Pacers offensive effort. The star forward played 31 minutes, scoring 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting, adding five boards and two assists in what was, overall, a lackluster effort from Indiana. 

Ultimately, his outing wasn't enough to overcome the well-rounded Celtics. Though, with the future of Haliburton now in doubt, the Pacers might need Siakam to take the reins again in a pivotal Game 3 at home.