The Boston Celtics have steamrolled pretty much every opponent they have faced in the NBA thus far this season. But, the one team who has battled them pretty well throughout the 2023-24 campaign has been the Indiana Pacers.
On Monday, the teams faced off for the fourth time this season and the Pacers came away victorious for the second time. Against everyone other than Indiana, Boston is 26-6 but only 2-2 against their emerging Midwest rivals.
On Monday, the Pacers were able to mount an impressive second-half comeback, defeating the Celtics 133-131. However, that win does feel like a loss for Indiana as star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers Updates
Haliburton slipped on the floor, resulting in him doing a split while driving to the basket. It looked like a devastating injury as he was carried into the locker room by two teammates. Head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about the injury after the game, admitting it was tough to see.
“That was a very deflating moment,” Carlisle said. “(But) this was an important game. Every game that we play has the ability to be a season-defining game.”
Being able to bounce back in the fashion that they did, without their best player, is impressive. That should be a confidence boost for the rest of the team knowing they can hang with the best of the best in the NBA even with their leader sidelined.
Stepping up for the Pacers were Benedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Both players came off the bench and had good games with Mathurin scoring a team-high 26 and McConnell taking over lead point guard duties handing out seven assists.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers Updates
While the injury to Haliburton hurts, Carlisle was impressed with the fight his team showed on such an emotional night. “Really amazing effort from our team,” Carlisle said. “A lot of emotions in this game, for a lot of reasons: you’re playing the best team in basketball and Tyrese’s injury situation.”
Haliburton underwent an MRI on Tuesday and it looks like he avoided any serious injury. He reportedly has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be sidelined for at least two weeks before being re-evaluated.
Without him in the lineup, Carlisle will turn to McConnell and Andrew Nembhard to run the offense. The ball could be put in Mathurin’s hands a little more, too, as it will take a collective team effort to replace the production Haliburton brought to the court.
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