The Indiana Pacers were in Boston on Tuesday night to face the Celtics. It was the two clubs’ fifth meeting of the season, with an additional clash this season courtesy to the In-Season Tournament.
The game was broadcast on TNT, with Kevin Harlan, Allie LaForce, and Pacers icon Reggie Miller on the call. Indiana was delighted about the opportunity to play in front of a larger crowd and planned to demonstrate their abilities during the game.
Early in the game, they demonstrated what they have been all season: a superb offensive club that occasionally struggled to generate stops. It took less than 2.5 minutes for the game to reach 10-10 on the scoreboard, as both teams scored easily.
For the Celtics, that continued, although Indiana slowed for a few moments. Boston embarked on a 10-2 run in the following span to take a 20-12 lead, prompting a timeout from Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
He wanted to speak things over. Following the stoppage, Carlisle’s side gradually resumed play. They reduced the margin to five over the following few plays, 24-19, and their defense improved after they brought in some backups.
Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard fought on the perimeter. However, the Celtics promptly responded, going ahead by nine points just a few possessions later.
Their talent advantage was evident early, as they hindered Indiana’s offensive. The blue and gold needed to find strategies to improve their shots.
After one frame, Boston led 36-26. Derrick White was outstanding for the hosts, scoring 15 points and dishing three assists. Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers’ scoring with seven points. The Celtics opened the second period with another three, continuing their hot streak from deep.
They are possibly the league’s best three-point shooting squad, and when they get going, they are difficult to stop. They continued to make outside shots while Indiana struggled – star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was back from injury, began the game 1/8 from the field. At the time, the Celtics led by 14.
Boston never slows down. They finished 10/17 with three in the second quarter after making many in a row. Even while the Pacers’ offense improved, they struggled to keep up. Indiana appeared more comfortable as the quarter proceeded, but they still couldn’t make enough stops.
They were able to reduce the margin to 12 many times and cling on. However, they were still down significantly and needed to string together several stops. Instead, it was Boston that received some stops. Their lead grew to 19 in the next few minutes, and they had a chance to open the game up shortly before halftime.
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