The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding performance on December 26, 2025, overpowering the Indiana Pacers 140-122 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This victory not only marked a sweep of their home-and-home series but also showcased Boston’s resilience, firepower, and ability to adapt under pressure—qualities that have defined their ascent in the Eastern Conference this season.
Coming into the contest, the Celtics were riding high after a comeback win over Indiana just days prior, but the Pacers, despite their injury-depleted roster and a disappointing 6-25 record, came out swinging. Indiana’s offense exploded out of the gates, hitting their first five three-pointers and racing to a 24-12 lead within six minutes. Andrew Nembhard led the charge, draining three straight from deep and tallying nine points in the opening minutes. The Pacers finished the first quarter shooting a red-hot 60% from the field, leading 39-28 and putting Boston on the back foot early.
But as anyone who’s followed this Celtics squad knows, early adversity only seems to fuel their competitive fire. Head coach Joe Mazzulla, who’s repeatedly emphasized the importance of matching opponents’ physicality, kept his composure and trusted his bench to weather the storm. Sam Hauser, who has been steadily regaining his shooting touch after a slow start to the season, came off the bench and immediately made his presence felt, hitting a pair of triples to chip away at the deficit.
The second quarter was where Boston truly flipped the script. Payton Pritchard took control, leading a 13-2 run to open the period and slashing through Indiana’s defense with a mix of mid-range jumpers and crafty drives. The Celtics’ 47-point outburst in the second quarter tied a franchise record for points in that frame, and by halftime, Boston had seized a 75-61 lead. Pritchard was already up to 17 points at the break, while Jaylen Brown and Derrick White contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively. As for Hauser, he was just getting started.
Physicality became the name of the game as tempers flared and bodies hit the floor. Derrick White took a stray elbow to the mouth, drawing blood but refusing to sit out for long. Neemias Queta was knocked to his knees by a questionable screen from Bennedict Mathurin. The most heated moment came late in the third quarter, when Jordan Walsh and Indiana’s TJ McConnell got tangled up under the basket, resulting in a shoving match and technical fouls for both. Mazzulla, clearly pleased with Walsh’s grit, shouted his approval from the sideline. “Regardless of their record or who’s playing, I think they’re constantly testing your physical and mental toughness,” Mazzulla said after the game. “I think they’re one of the toughest teams and we have to be able to match that and do it in different ways.”
The Celtics maintained their composure throughout, never allowing Indiana’s early success or physical tactics to derail their focus. In fact, Boston’s own physicality and execution only intensified as the game wore on. By the third quarter, the Celtics had stretched their lead to 20 points, thanks in large part to Hauser’s shooting clinic—he finished the night 7-for-8 from three-point range, amassing 23 points in just 17 minutes of action. “It’s great when he’s making shots but it’s even better when we find him,” Mazzulla said, crediting his team’s improved ball movement and Hauser’s teammates for creating open looks. Hauser himself was quick to share the praise: “But credit to them, I wouldn’t be able to get all these open shots if it wasn’t for [Jaylen] drawing all this attention, getting to the lane, making the right read, Payton, the same thing and [Derrick] White. It’s really more credit to them, finding me and getting me the ball when I am open.”
Jaylen Brown continued his remarkable scoring streak, posting his eighth consecutive 30-point game with a late flurry in the fourth quarter. Brown’s stat line—30 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals—underscored his all-around impact and leadership on both ends of the floor. Payton Pritchard capped a sensational night with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Derrick White chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block, all while playing through a bloodied lip. Off the bench, Luka Garza contributed 15 points and 4 rebounds, and Jordan Walsh, returning from illness, added timely defense and energy.
The Celtics’ statistical dominance was clear: they shot 51% from three-point range, making 20 triples for the eighth time this season—a mark that has coincided with victory each time. Their mid-range game was equally lethal, particularly in the second quarter, where they shot 9-for-12 between the restricted area and the arc. Pritchard’s proficiency in that zone—6-for-8—was a key factor in Boston’s second-quarter surge. The Celtics also improved to 8-2 in December and 8-3 against teams with losing records, a testament to their consistency and focus against all competition.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Celtics had not only secured their 19th win of the season (improving to 19-11) but also solidified their hold on third place in the Eastern Conference. With four straight wins and a favorable schedule ahead, Boston is well-positioned as they embark on a West Coast road trip. Their next test comes on December 28 against the Portland Trail Blazers at Oregon’s Moda Center, a matchup that promises to be another opportunity for the Celtics to showcase their depth, resilience, and championship aspirations.
For Indiana, the loss was another tough blow in a season marred by injuries and rebuilding, but their early fight and refusal to back down earned the respect of their opponents. As Mazzulla put it, “They’re a good team, regardless of their record. They’re always one of the toughest teams in the league and they play tough. We were able to settle down and did a great job of executing in the half court.”
With their blend of star power, bench production, and a collective edge, the Celtics are making it clear: they’re a force to be reckoned with as the season heats up. The road ahead is long, but if Friday night’s display was any indication, Boston is ready for whatever comes next.
