Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the performance of Pascal Siakam after Monday’s 98-96 win over the Boston Celtics.
“Well, it’s so fitting that Pascal has the ball on our last possession, hits what ends up being the game-winning shot, and he just played one of his better games,” Carlisle said. “The stats weren’t spectacular, but his level of discipline, patience…really big time.”
Siakam finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, including a high-arcing bank shot with 6.1 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Carlisle credited the team’s defensive focus for holding Boston to just nine three-pointers and limiting free throws in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense was terrific…19-point fourth quarter, concentrating…level of discipline was really good,” he said.
The coach also praised contributions across the roster. “We played 11 guys at least five minutes…needed everyone’s contributions,” Carlisle said.
Carlisle emphasized the versatility Siakam brought beyond scoring. “He epitomizes versatility at that position…rebounding, defense, ball handling, playmaking…secondary ball handler with a great deal of responsibility,” he said.
He also singled out Jarace Walker’s poise and development in recent games. “Jarace Walker, the last couple games…tremendous…hit huge shots in situations where they were coming back at us hard,” Carlisle said.
Depth players like Quenton Jackson and Johnny Furphy also drew praise for stepping up in key moments. “Quenton came in at a very difficult time, hit a three, made defensive plays…plus-six for the game. Furphy’s learning a lot, going hard defensively, rebounding, guarding a difficult player like Hauser,” Carlisle said.
Carlisle noted improved ball movement as a factor in the victory. “We had a bit of a stagnant first quarter…things got better as the game went on…creating looks, showing poise when Boston made their run,” he said.
Despite the Celtics missing Jaylen Brown and relying on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard for scoring, Carlisle’s team maintained composure in the final seconds.
“On Pascal’s last play, we cleared the way for him and Drew Nembhard…make a play, figure out the right play, go make it,” he said.
The Pacers improved to 9-31, earning their first three-game winning streak of the season, while Boston fell to 24-15.
Indiana hosts the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, and the Celtics begin a four-game road trip at Miami on Thursday.
