Controversial Calls Overshadow Celtics’ Thrilling Matchup Against Pacers

In the aftermath of Monday’s nail-biting clash between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed anticipation for reviewing the NBA’s Last-Two Minute Report, but the outcome brought more frustration than clarity.

With the score knotted at 131 and a mere 3.2 seconds left, Pacers guard Buddy Hield’s apparent foul on Celtics star Jaylen Brown during a potential game-winning shot attempt drew attention. Despite an initial foul call on Hield, a reversal occurred after the Pacers challenged the play, granting them possession and sparking continued controversy.

Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin drew a crucial foul on Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis during his last-second shot, resulting in two successful free throws and a narrow 133-131 victory for Indiana. Post-game, Brown, still in disbelief, called for an official investigation by the league.

The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, released on Tuesday afternoon, did little to assuage the Celtics’ grievances. The report’s assessment of the Hield/Brown play stated, “On replay review, the coach’s challenge of the shooting foul called on Hield (IND) was deemed successful.” The video confirmed minimal contact with Brown’s head, deemed incidental in the context of a defensive play.

Adding to the Celtics’ dismay, the league ruled that Porzingis’ foul on Mathurin was unwarranted. According to the report, Porzingis “legally contests Mathurin’s (IND) shot attempt,” with the incidental arm contact considered concurrent with the block.

The report also noted an overlooked illegal screen by Pacers’ Myles Turner on Celtics’ Derrick White with two seconds left in regulation.

While the NBA’s official rulings may not sit well with Boston, Celtics player Porzingis emphasized moving forward, stating, “on to the next one.” The Celtics aim to put the controversy behind them as they return home to face the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, hoping for a clean and decisive matchup at TD Garden.