The Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics 123-114 on Sunday night, bouncing back from a 37-point blowout loss just two days earlier. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 31 points, showcasing his ability to take control in critical moments.
Andrew Nembhard returned to the lineup after missing the previous game due to knee tendinitis. He contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in the Pacers’ offensive flow. Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin added 17 and 14 points, respectively, as Indiana’s balanced attack overwhelmed Boston.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 31 points and six assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Payton Pritchard added 21 points off the bench, but Boston’s inconsistent three-point shooting, going just 16-of-54 from beyond the arc, hurt their chances.
The game turned in the fourth quarter when Boston cut an 11-point deficit to just two points on a three-point play by Tatum with 7:38 remaining. The Pacers responded with a 13-0 run, fueled by Haliburton and Nembhard, effectively sealing the victory.
The Celtics, who dominated the first matchup with a 23 three-pointer performance, struggled to replicate that efficiency. Missing starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston failed to maintain offensive consistency.
For Indiana, free throws proved to be another advantage, with the team converting 22-of-27 compared to Boston’s 12-of-19. Defensive stops and a higher field-goal percentage (52.9% to Boston’s 46.2%) further tilted the game in the Pacers’ favor.
Indiana’s win improves their record to 16-17, while Boston drops to 23-9.
