Pacers outlast Celtics on Monday
The Indiana Pacers overcame the Boston Celtics, 133-131, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday to even the home-and-home series, 1-1, between the Eastern Conference foes.

The two teams kept things even throughout the first quarter. The Celtics (28-8) were able to win the second quarter, 34-26, but the story of the frame was Tyrese Haliburton, who sustained a left hamstring strain and did not return. It seemed to be a rallying point for the Pacers (21-15) after halftime, as they won the third quarter 44-34 to take a two-point lead into the final 12 minutes. Indiana and Boston exchanged blows in the fourth quarter, before Bennedict Mathurin was fouled by Kristaps Porzingis on a three-point try with seconds left in regulation. Mathurin made two of his three free-throw attempts and the Celtics weren’t able to respond out of a timeout as the Pacers got the victory and revenge for Saturday’s contest.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a game-high 40 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jrue Holiday chipped in 21 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Porzingis tallied 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Payton Prtichard led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Derrick White missed 12 of his 16 field goal attempts and finished with 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Al Horford got the start Monday for Jayson Tatum (ankle) and finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

The Pacers spread the scoring load Monday, with seven players finishing with double-digit points. It was Mathurin who led Indiana with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Aaron Nesmith led the starters with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Myles Turner contributed 16 points and eight rebounds. Buddy Hield had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists and Obi Toppin added 13 points. T.J. McConnell, who got more time at point guard following Haliburton’s exit, finished with 12 points, four assists, seven assists and two steals.

Both teams will play their next respective games on Wednesday. The Pacers will stay at home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Celtics travel back to Boston to face the visiting Washington Wizards.
Posted on: 1/8/2024 7:23 PM
Boston Celtics
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Indiana Pacers
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