Tyrese Haliburton delivered an impressive performance, scoring 31 points, as the Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 123-114 on Sunday night. This victory was particularly sweet for the Pacers, considering it came just two nights after they suffered a heavy 37-point defeat to the same team.
In addition to Haliburton’s standout contribution, Andrew Nembhard returned from a knee injury to score 17 points, alongside eight rebounds and eight assists. Pascal Siakam also helped the team with 17 points, while Bennedict Mathurin added 14 points.
On the Celtics’ side, Jaylen Brown topped the scoring with 31 points and six assists, followed by Jayson Tatum with 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Payton Pritchard contributed 21 points, and Derrick White chipped in with 17. However, the loss marked the Celtics’ sixth home defeat of the season, contrasting sharply with last season’s record of 37-4 at home.
The Pacers focused on a more physical approach, attacking the basket instead of relying solely on perimeter shots, which allowed them to outscore Boston 66-48 in the paint. Coach Rick Carlisle’s strategy was a response to their previous loss and a way to compensate for the absence of injured forward Obi Toppin.
A crucial moment in the game occurred when Boston trimmed an 11-point deficit to just two points with Jayson Tatum’s three-point play. However, Indiana quickly responded with a 13-point scoring streak, regaining control of the game.
Notably, the Pacers were effective at the free-throw line, making 22 compared to just 16 for the Celtics, which helped secure their victory.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, while the Celtics will face the Toronto Raptors at home on the same day.
This game highlights the resilience of the Pacers, showcasing their ability to bounce back after a substantial loss. It also serves as a reminder that even strong teams like the Celtics can face challenges, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement of NBA matchups.