In a dominant display, the Boston Celtics halted the Indiana Pacers’ six-game winning streak with a resounding 118-101 triumph in Indianapolis on Saturday night. Jayson Tatum stole the spotlight, pouring in an impressive 38 points, supported by Jaylen Brown’s substantial 31-point contribution.
Tatum showcased his versatility, not only excelling in scoring but also securing 13 rebounds and distributing six assists. His prowess beyond the arc was evident, hitting eight of 13 attempts from 3-point range. The Celtics asserted their dominance early, establishing a 29-17 lead after the first quarter, maintaining a 58-49 advantage at halftime, and entering the final quarter with an 84-81 lead.
Add that to the W column ✅ pic.twitter.com/hqeM3kOLwm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 7, 2024
Tatum’s 3-Pointers Seal Victory
A crucial 14-2 run in the fourth quarter, sealed by a Tatum 3-pointer, widened Boston’s lead to 100-85 with 7:30 remaining. Tatum’s late trey further extended the gap to 116-97 with just 1:17 left on the clock, securing the victory.
Contributing to the success, Al Horford added 10 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Despite a free-throw line struggle (10-for-19), the Celtics controlled the game and contained the Pacers.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton led with 17 points and seven assists, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20 points. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner chipped in with 15 and 12 points, respectively. However, Indiana faced challenges beyond the arc, converting only eight of 42 attempts (19 percent).
The Celtics faced adversity as center Kristaps Porzingis exited early in the first quarter due to an eye injury. Despite this setback, Boston displayed resilience and depth, securing the win.
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In remarkable form, the Celtics have triumphed in 13 of their past 15 games. Meanwhile, the Pacers aim to regroup for their next clash against Boston on Monday.