The Pacers were the team to beat at the start of 2024 in the East, and it was therefore Boston, leader of the conference, who ended Indiana's series of six victories.
Despite the premature exit of Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics managed to impose their rhythm at the start of the game, with, not to change, an insolent 3-point address to create an initial gap. There was the Holiday-White-Horford trio to go to +10 (7-17), then Jayson Tatum twice to drive the point home at the end of the first quarter (17-29).
The former member of the house Aaron Nesmith tried to launch the locals with a monumental dunk on the counter-attack and the Haliburton-Turner pair followed up with an 8-0 to bring Indiana back to -7 (40-47). But opposite, it was again Jayson Tatum who put on the show with three 3-point baskets in response (42-58).
Indiana was not discouraged however, returning to -9 at the break after a 7-0 (49-58), then putting a lot of pressure upon returning from the locker room to try to get back on track. Buddy Hield restarted hostilities, Tyrese Haliburton also took responsibility, and the Pacers gradually caught up, even coming back to -1 at the very end of the third quarter on a new 3-pointer from Buddy Hield (81-82 ).
But just when everything could have changed, it was Boston who took control again, with a 3-pointer, a 2+1, then a new 3-pointer from Jayson Tatum after having mystified Jalen Smith (85-100 ). Overcome by frustration, like the technique collected by Rick Carlisle, the Pacers then completely lost their footing, while Oshae Brissett and Jayson Tatum finished the job behind the arc, without forgetting the two authoritarian dunks from Jaylen Brown to secure the victory (118-101) and push Indiana out of the Top 6 again!
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WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– JT had adjusted the sights. Jayson Tatum sealed his new record for 3-point baskets scored in a game this season with 8 outside baskets made last night out of 13 attempts! Already in the second quarter, he raised his voice to allow Boston to take the upper hand. But his last act was a real demonstration, all on the floor of the team in good form at the moment.
– Kristaps Porzingis shot in the eye. The Latvian will not last long on the Pacers floor. Hit in the eye after six minutes of play after contact with former Celtic Aaron Nesmith, KP collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain for several minutes before leaving the floor. We didn't see him again after that.
– Indiana hampered by the Celtics defense. The Pacers suffered extraordinarily in half-court attack, which notably resulted in a very difficult start, with only 40 points scored almost three minutes before halftime. Also at the finish, Indiana posted its worst offensive performance of the season, finishing with 101 points, its lowest total of the campaign, and its worst skill percentage (41.3%).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
