BOSTON — The Boston Celtics snapped their two-game losing streak with a decisive 142-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers on December 27, 2024, at TD Garden. After suffering defeats to the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, Boston entered the contest desperate for a win.
Fresh off their Eastern Conference finals duel earlier this year, the Celtics sought redemption against Indiana, who had earlier handed them their first loss of the season during their last encounter.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla welcomed the challenge, emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges during the long NBA season. "I’m excited about this matchup," Mazzulla stated, conveying the readiness and enthusiasm echoed within the Celtics' locker room.
That excitement translated onto the court swiftly. The Celtics exploded for 39 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone early and eventually rolling out to a 67-point first half. Jaylen Brown was the standout performer for Boston, scoring 44 points on 16-of-24 shooting, including six from beyond the arc. Brown’s impressive performance capped his night with four steals, making him only the third Celtics player to achieve at least 44 points and four steals—or more—joining the ranks of legends like Larry Bird and Antoine Walker.
Jayson Tatum also contributed significantly, notching 22 points and 13 rebounds to secure his 16th double-double of the season. The five-time All-Star efficiently managed the game, assisting with ball movement and rim protection. Payton Pritchard, stepping up as the sixth man, added 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, showcasing his versatility and playmaking.
For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton struggled to establish his rhythm, finishing with 19 points, nine assists, and a minus-27 rating, which placed him as the least effective performer on the court. The Pacers, missing key players such as Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard due to injuries, found it difficult to maintain the competitive edge they had shown earlier this season. They shot poorly from three-point range as well, connecting on just 11 out of 39 attempts (28.2%), which hindered their scoring and allowed Boston to maintain control.
Myles Turner, typically pivotal for Indiana, had only eight points and no blocks, failing to provide the defensive presence expected of him. With the Pacers' struggle offensively, they descended to their recent losing streak following their earlier impressive five-game win run.
The game effectively highlighted the Celtics' dominance, with Boston showcasing their strength without the contributions of starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, both sidelined by injuries. Porzingis is recovering from persistent ankle issues, and Holiday misses his second straight game due to shoulder pain.
Celtics’ fans celebrated the team's performance, which brought their season record to 23-8, consolidifying their position among the Eastern Conference top contenders. Despite their injuries, the Celtics demonstrated their depth and resilience, leading by as much as 38 points during the contest.
“This was a much-needed win for us,” Brown said post-game. “We have to keep building, and I’m glad we bounced back strong together.” The victory serves as both a reminder of Boston's capabilities and the importance of maintaining focus moving forward.
The Celtics are set to meet the Pacers once again on December 29, promising to be yet another enthralling encounter as both teams aim to solidify their standing within the competitive Eastern Conference. Following their last match, the Pacers will be eager to rectify their performance and challenge the Celtics again on their home turf.
