Game Recap: Pacers 135, Celtics 132 (OT)
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One can excuse Pascal Siakam for feeling personally invested in the Indiana Pacers’ sluggish start and their chance to right the ship against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Pacers were acutely aware of their early-season issues and how easily Boston had swept them aside in the Eastern Conference Finals last spring. For Siakam, however, the stakes were even higher. He had gone 0-13 against the Celtics since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, having faced them nine times the previous season and, astonishingly, losing on every occasion (four games with Toronto, five following his trade to Indiana).
This context elucidates Siakam’s drive as he approached the game and his evident satisfaction after the Pacers triumphed 135-132 in overtime.
“It’s big,” Siakam remarked before departing the court. “We’ve got to be that team that fights to the end.”
Siakam certainly embodied that sentiment with his performance, scoring 29 points, securing 11 rebounds, and shooting 6-for-8 from beyond the arc, contributing the Pacers’ last two critical baskets.
The first came out of a timeout in overtime—his jumper in the lane halted Indiana’s slide with just 36 seconds remaining, tying the game at 132-132 for the ninth time. The second was his decisive three-pointer from beyond the arc, which left the Celtics with only 6.1 seconds on the clock.
GAME-WINNER FROM SPICY P 🔥🌶️ pic.twitter.com/JgTTy5Q2eL
— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2024
Here are five key takeaways from the Pacers’ impressive win:
1. Progress for Indiana
If the Pacers view this victory through the right lens, it can represent a significant step toward establishing their rhythm this season. The initial positive was their explosive offensive performance throughout the first three quarters. At one point, they soared to a 96-72 lead against the defending NBA champions, who had entered the game undefeated at 4-0.
The players were moving the ball effectively, managing to contain Boston’s dangerous three-point shooting, while All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton took on a more aggressive role as his team’s advantage grew.
During overtime, coach Rick Carlisle and his squad could take pride in fending off the champions’ late surge, showcasing enough resilience to improve to a 2-3 record while delivering Boston its first defeat.
As for the fourth quarter? We’ll chalk that up as a win for Boston.
2. Celtics Defense Came Close
Indeed, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for…
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics held the Pacers to just 24 points. It was the defensive effort from Boston that nearly changed the game’s outcome as they clamped down on Indiana during the final stretch.
Led by Derrick White and the tenacious Payton Pritchard, the Celtics restricted Indiana to 24 points and forced them into a poor 7-for-22 shooting performance. More importantly, the intense pressure led to six turnovers by the Pacers. Additionally, Neemias Queta, stepping up from the deep bench, contributed nine rebounds and achieved a team-best plus-18 rating in under 14 minutes of play.
As a result, the Pacers found their scoring opportunities shrinking, and the ball became increasingly difficult to handle. The Celtics finally leveled the game with Jayson Tatum’s stepback three-pointer with just 14.4 seconds remaining in regulation, leaving the home team scrambling for momentum.
3. Mathurin shines off the bench
For Pacers fans frustrated by Bennedict Mathurin’s limited playing time, seeing him contribute is far better than having him confined to the bench.
Two years ago, during his rookie campaign, the 6-foot-6 wing from Montreal—who played collegiate basketball in Arizona—captured attention in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. Last season, he was on the rise until a shoulder injury sidelined him in March.
This season, however, Mathurin’s minutes dropped from nearly 28 in the season opener to just under 14 in Monday’s game against Orlando. While Indiana boasts a deep roster and Aaron Nesmith shares a similar skill set, Mathurin seemed to be falling in the Pacers’ hierarchy, possibly even taking on the role of scapegoat.
That changed on Wednesday; he played over 42 minutes, scored 30 points, and grabbed 11 rebounds, kickstarting another campaign for Sixth Man honors. He visited the free-throw line 11 times, converting 10 attempts, but his most significant contribution was energizing a previously hesitant team. With Tyrese Haliburton not yet fulfilling that role, Mathurin stepped in to fill the void.
4. Celtics maintain 3-point success
The Celtics had a rocky start, missing seven of their first ten attempts in the opening quarter. Nevertheless, they ended the game hitting 19 three-pointers out of 57 attempts. With a total of 105 made in five games, Boston is on pace to shatter the NBA team record for the most three-pointers in a single season.
They have outperformed their opponents in three-pointers in each game thus far. At the end of their first four games, they were on track to make 1,763, surpassing the Golden State Warriors’ record of 1,363 set two years ago by an impressive 400 shots.
Currently, the Celtics are projected to finish the season with 1,722 three-pointers, exceeding the Warriors’ record by over 26%.
5. A favorable turn for the Celtics, an unfavorable one for Indiana
The Pacers can consider themselves lucky to have pulled this victory off, albeit under pressure. Their challenging early schedule continues with upcoming road games against New Orleans and Dallas, alongside home games against the Magic and Knicks, all mixed in with a trip to Charlotte. Following that, they face two consecutive games against Miami followed by a three-game road trip. ten of Indiana’s first sixteen games will be played away from home.
In contrast, the Celtics may not face another loss for two weeks. They will be competing in back-to-back games at Charlotte this weekend, followed by a game in Atlanta. They will then return home to battle Golden State in what many anticipate to be a pivotal game, with coach Steve Kerr opposing his former star, Jayson Tatum. A potentially tough matchup against the Bucks on November 10 will depend on Milwaukee finding its stride.
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Steve Aschburner has been covering the NBA since 1980. You can reach him via email here, check his archived articles here, and follow him on X.
The perspectives presented on this page do not necessarily represent those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Pacers Edge Celtics 135-132 in Overtime Thriller: Siakam Shines with Game-Winning Shot
The NBA delivered yet another heart-stopping game as the Indiana Pacers edged out the Boston Celtics 135-132 in a thrilling overtime encounter. The spotlight shone brightly on Pascal Siakam, who made a game-winning shot that will be talked about for weeks. In this article, we will delve into the game’s highlights, standout performances, and what this means for both teams going forward.
Game Overview
The match at the TD Garden featured a fierce battle between two playoff contenders. Both teams showcased their talent and determination, but it was the Pacers who ultimately emerged victorious in a dramatic overtime finish.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | Pacers | Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 32 | 28 |
| 2nd | 30 | 35 |
| 3rd | 25 | 30 |
| 4th | 29 | 27 |
| OT | 19 | 12 |
The scoring was close throughout the game, but the Pacers found their rhythm in overtime, outscoring the Celtics by 7 points.
Standout Performers
Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam was undoubtedly the star of the night. His final shot not only secured the victory but also highlighted his clutch performance under pressure. Siakam finished the game with:
- Points: 36
- Rebounds: 10
- Assists: 5
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton also played a crucial role in the Pacers’ success, contributing significantly with his playmaking abilities:
- Points: 28
- Assists: 12
- Steals: 3
Jayson Tatum
On the Celtics’ side, Jayson Tatum led his team with an impressive performance as well:
- Points: 34
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 5
Game Highlights
Besides the thrilling finish, several key moments defined this overtime thriller:
- Late-Game Heroics: Siakam’s buzzer-beater at the end of regulation sent the game to overtime, electrifying the Pacers’ bench and fans alike.
- Defensive Plays: Both teams showcased excellent defensive strategies, including crucial blocks and steals that shifted momentum frequently.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Pacers excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 15 three-pointers, which proved pivotal in their scoring.
Benefits of Strong Teamwork in High-Stakes Games
The Pacers’ victory can be attributed to their strong teamwork and communication on the court. Here are key benefits of effective teamwork in basketball:
- Enhanced Performance: Players who work well together can capitalize on each other’s strengths, leading to more scoring opportunities.
- Improved Defense: A unified defensive effort can stifle the opponent’s scoring, as seen in the Pacers’ ability to force turnovers.
- Increased Morale: Successful teamwork builds confidence among players, motivating them to perform at their best.
First-Hand Experiences: Insights from Players
After the game, several players shared their thoughts on the intense matchup:
Pascal Siakam: “I trust my teammates and know we can win in tough situations. That shot was just a matter of being in the moment.”
Tyrese Haliburton: “Every possession counts in games like this. We kept our heads cool, and I’m proud of how we executed.”
Jayson Tatum: “It’s disappointing to lose, but we’ll learn from this. We have to finish games better.”
What’s Next for the Pacers and Celtics?
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address weaknesses:
Indiana Pacers
- Focus on Defense: The Pacers will continue to improve their defensive strategies to maintain their competitive edge.
- Injury Management: Keeping key players healthy will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Boston Celtics
- Late-Game Execution: The Celtics will need to refine their late-game strategies to secure victories in close contests.
- Balance Scoring: Encouraging contributions from all players will be essential to avoid over-reliance on star players.
Final Thoughts on the Overtime Thriller
This game was a classic example of why NBA fans love the sport. The combination of skill, strategy, and high-pressure moments made for an unforgettable night. As the season progresses, both the Pacers and Celtics will strive to improve, but one thing’s for sure: the Pacers will savor this hard-fought victory for a long time.
