Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla pointed to a controversial play in the final moments of Monday’s 98-96 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
“Illegal screen. Illegal screen. Illegal screen,” Mazzulla said, repeatedly emphasizing the play that he believes decided the game.
Mazzulla had one response to all questions from the reporters – “Illegal screen,” he kept saying.
The Celtics trailed by two after Pascal Siakam’s decisive 7-foot bank shot with 6.1 seconds remaining. Derrick White had tied the game at 96 with 28.6 seconds left but missed a 3-pointer that could have given Boston the lead.
Boston played without Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with lower back spasms. Despite the absences, Payton Pritchard led Boston with 23 points and eight assists, while White added 18 points and Anfernee Simons 16.
The Pacers, who began the night with the NBA’s worst record, improved to 9-31 with their first three-game win streak of the season. Siakam finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, showcasing poise in the clutch.
Indiana received contributions across the roster, with Jay Huff scoring 20 points and Andrew Nembhard adding 13 points and nine assists. Depth players also stepped up as the Celtics applied pressure late.
Boston shot 45 percent from the field and 26 percent from three, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities in crunch time proved costly.
The Celtics will continue their four-game road trip at Miami on Thursday, while the Pacers return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
