Boston Celtics Clamp Down on Indiana Pacers, Hold Them to Season-Low Points

In a defensive showcase, the Boston Celtics delivered a dominant performance against the Indiana Pacers, restricting them to their lowest point total of the season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerged as the dynamic duo, combining for an impressive 69 points.

Tatum’s spectacular display included 38 points, marked by a season-high eight 3-pointers, while Brown contributed 31 points. The Celtics triumphed over the Pacers with a final score of 118-101 on Saturday night, putting an end to the Pacers’ six-game winning streak.

Tatum, showcasing his all-around skills, also secured 13 rebounds and dished out six assists. Together, Tatum and Brown were responsible for 27 of the Celtics’ 46 baskets, as the team shot an efficient 51% from the field and maintained control throughout the game.

Boston’s defensive prowess, ranking third in field-goal percentage defense and rebound rate in the NBA, shone brightly. The Celtics held the Pacers to a season-low point total and dominated the boards with a 70-42 rebounding advantage.

Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton displayed a versatile performance with 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals.

The Celtics established a commanding 29-17 lead by the end of the first quarter, marking the Pacers’ lowest-scoring first quarter of the season. Despite not attempting a free throw in the first half, Boston led 58-49 at halftime, with Tatum and Brown combining for 37 points on 16-of-27 shooting.

Although the Pacers cut the deficit to 84-81 entering the fourth quarter, the Celtics pulled away, securing a comfortable lead and cruising to victory.

The game saw limited minutes from Celtics starting center Kristaps Porzingis, who exited due to an eye laceration.

This matchup added another compelling chapter to the ongoing season series. In their first encounter on Nov. 1, the Celtics routed the Pacers 155-104, setting a franchise record for points since 1959. The rematch on Dec. 4 was fiercely contested, with Indiana prevailing 122-112 and eliminating the Celtics from the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament, led by Haliburton’s first career triple-double.

Indiana faced challenges without starting shooting guard Bruce Brown (bone bruise in right knee) and reserve guard Andrew Nembhard (back sprain).