INDIANAPOLIS — In a heart-pounding clash, the Indiana Pacers secured a nail-biting 133-131 victory against the Boston Celtics, with Bennedict Mathurin’s clutch free throws making the difference in the final moments. The game took a dramatic turn when the Pacers’ All-Star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, left the court due to a left hamstring injury.
The Pacers showcased their resilience, winning seven of their last eight games and improving their record to 21-15. In contrast, the Celtics maintain the NBA’s top record at 28-8.
Here are four key takeaways from this intense showdown:
- Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury and Pacers’ Response: The game took a somber turn as Tyrese Haliburton suffered a left hamstring strain after two unfortunate slips on the court. Haliburton, who had been a pivotal force for the Pacers, left the game with 3:10 remaining in the second quarter. The Pacers announced at halftime that he would not return and would undergo an MRI.
Head Coach Rick Carlisle expressed his concern, stating, “It’s a very deflating moment. We hope that’s not serious.” Haliburton had already contributed seven points and six assists before the injury. In his absence, second-year guard Andrew Nembhard stepped up, but he encountered foul trouble. The Pacers relied heavily on veterans T.J. McConnell and Bruce Brown to handle the backcourt duties for the rest of the game.
Although initially staggered by Haliburton’s injury, the Pacers mounted a remarkable third-quarter comeback, outscoring the Celtics 44-33 and posting an impressive 1.61 points per possession. The Pacers played the Celtics evenly in the fourth quarter, eventually securing the win with Mathurin’s free throws.
- Scoring from Multiple Sources: One of the critiques of the Pacers’ roster has been the lack of a clear secondary scorer behind Haliburton. However, in this crucial game, several players stepped up when needed. Mathurin, a first-team All-Rookie selection last season, led the Pacers with 26 points, displaying his ability to create space and make shots. Myles Turner contributed 16 points and eight rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith made an impact from beyond the arc, tallying 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Despite Bruce Brown’s recent struggles, he provided 15 points, hitting key shots when necessary.
Mathurin’s standout performance was crucial, prompting the Pacers to draw up the final shot for him due to his ability to create scoring opportunities.
- T.J. McConnell’s Vital Role: T.J. McConnell, the veteran point guard for the Pacers, has consistently displayed his determination and intensity on the court. Whenever Haliburton faces challenges or is sidelined due to injury, McConnell rises to the occasion. In the third quarter alone, he scored eight points and contributed three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. His relentless play energized the team and served as a catalyst for their comeback. McConnell’s impact extended beyond scoring, as he was a key contributor in various facets of the game, finishing with 12 points, 7 assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
Coach Carlisle praised McConnell, saying, “T.J. McConnell is a great backup point guard. He’s one of the very best.”
- Jaylen Brown’s Dominance: Although the Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, they still had Jaylen Brown causing problems for the Pacers. Brown was relentless, scoring 40 points on 17-of-26 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range. He posed a consistent challenge for the Pacers, often exploiting mismatches and driving effectively. Despite Brown’s remarkable performance, he missed two crucial shots in the final minute, allowing the Pacers to secure the win.
The game featured intense action and pivotal moments, ultimately ending in a thrilling victory for the Pacers.
Game Statistics:
- Boston Celtics (131): Horford 11, J.Brown 40, Porzingis 19, Holiday 21, White 13, Banton 0, Kornet 5, Mykhailiuk 2, Brissett 6, Pritchard 14.
- Indiana Pacers (133): Nesmith 17, Smith 11, Turner 16, B.Brown 7, Haliburton 7, Jackson 0, Toppin 13, Mathurin 26, Nembhard 9, Hield 15, McConnell 12.
The game saw a thrilling atmosphere with a crowd of 16,009 spectators in attendance.