Jayson Tatum’s outstanding 38-point performance, which included a season-high eight 3-pointers and Jaylen Brown’s contribution of 31 points, propelled the Boston Celtics to a 118-101 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night’s NBA action. This win ended the Pacers’ six-game winning streak.
Tatum, who also recorded 13 rebounds and six assists, teamed up with Brown to deliver 27 of the Celtics’ 46 field goals. The duo’s performance was a significant factor in Boston’s 51% shooting from the field, ensuring the Celtics led throughout the game.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the Pacers, emphasizing the effectiveness of the Celtics’ connected basketball, robust half-court defense, and poised offense.
“(Indiana) is really good,” Mazzulla said. “When we play connected basketball, with physical half-court defense and intentional, poised offense, we play better, and that’s kind of what we did.”
Boston’s defensive prowess, ranking third in the NBA in field-goal percentage defense and rebound rate, was on full display as they limited Indiana to their season-low point total and dominated the boards with a 70-42 rebounding advantage.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 20 points, while All-Star Tyrese Haliburton added 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals. Despite acknowledging Boston’s strong defense, Haliburton pointed out that the Pacers missed many shots they usually make.
“We missed a lot of shots,” Haliburton said. “They’re a really good defensive team, but we shot a lot of shots that we like. Just didn’t capitalize on them.”
The Celtics established control early, ending the first quarter with a 29-17 lead, marking Indiana’s lowest-scoring opening period of the season. Boston extended their lead in the second quarter and maintained a 58-49 advantage at halftime without attempting a single free throw. Tatum and Brown were particularly effective in the first half, combining for 37 points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Tatum highlighted the importance of watching film and being aggressive on the court. Despite Indiana reducing the deficit to three points in the third quarter, the Celtics surged ahead in the final period, leading by as many as 19 points.
“Me and Joe watch a lot of film together,” Tatum said. “It’s just finding ways to be aggressive. Play in space. Play off actions.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Boston faced a setback with starting center Kristaps Porzingis leaving the game early due to an eye laceration. This game adds to the eventful season series between the two teams. In their first meeting, the Celtics achieved their highest point total since 1959, while Indiana secured a win in the rematch behind Haliburton’s triple-double. The Pacers were without starting shooting guard Bruce Brown and reserve guard Andrew Nembhard due to injuries.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will continue their homestand with another game against the Celtics on Monday night.
