The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, 129-124, at TD Garden on Tuesday night.

The Celtics (37-11) appeared to be well on their way to a comfortable victory over the first two quarters, with Boston hardly missing the net on the way to an 81-66 lead at intermission. However, the Pacers (27-21) came out halftime a different team, tightening up on defense while lopping 12 points from their deficit. Both teams made scoring difficult for the other over the final 12 minutes, and with Tyrese Haliburton on an apparent minutes limit for Indiana in his return from a multi-game absence due to hamstring injury, the hosts were able to pull way with two late Jrue Holiday free throws after the visitors had closed to within three.

Aaron Nesmith led the way for the Pacers with 26 points, adding 12 rebounds, seven assists and one block. Pascal Siakam furnished 23 points, six boards and two assists. Myles Turner supplied 17 points, five boards, one assist and one block. Andrew Nembhard finished with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds. Haliburton generated a 13-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield offered 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Obi Toppin recorded 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 30 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 25 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Derrick White offered 24 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday posted matching 17-point efforts while hauling in 12 and five rebounds, respectively.

The Pacers remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Thursday night, while the Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night as well.