The game has ended with the Pacers defeating the Celtics 123-114, successfully avenging their previous loss. Just a few days ago, they were brutally defeated by the Celtics by 37 points, but in this match, the Pacers controlled the game from start to finish, ultimately achieving a remarkable comeback.
From the beginning of the game, the Pacers displayed an incredibly fierce momentum. Haliburton and Siakam took the court with a fiery intensity, immediately putting immense pressure on the Celtics. The Pacers started with a 6-0 run, momentarily leaving the Celtics stunned.
The Celtics quickly adjusted, with Hauser scoring a three-pointer to give the team some breathing room. However, the Pacers continued their relentless offensive onslaught, with Nembhard and Turner contributing mid-range shots, and the Pacers once led by as much as 16-5.
The Celtics are no pushovers, and Brown and Horford quickly stepped up, leading a counterattack that allowed them to narrowly overtake the Pacers at the end of the first quarter with a score of 29-27.
Although the scores were close, it was clear from the game that the Celtics had not completely controlled the situation. The Pacers' offense was diverse and posed a greater threat.
In the second quarter, both teams played at a faster pace, with the scores fluctuating. On the Pacers' side, Mathurin and Siakam continued to exert themselves, frequently raising the score. On the Celtics' side, White, Pritchard, and Brown were also actively trying to reduce the gap, but Haliburton's outstanding performance for the Pacers extended their lead.
At halftime, the Pacers led the Celtics 65-58.
It was evident that the Celtics' defense had significant issues, particularly against the Pacers' multi-point offense, which they could not effectively contain.
Entering the third quarter, Haliburton maintained his fiery form, scoring 4 points right at the start, as if injected with adrenaline.
On the Celtics' side, Tatum and Brown were not to be outdone, responding with a dunk that temporarily narrowed the gap. Although Mathurin and Turner on the Pacers' side performed steadily, continuously scoring, the Celtics remained close in the score, and by the end of the third quarter, the Pacers still led 98-91.
As the game entered the final quarter, the Celtics were unwilling to give up, exerting themselves even though it was tough.
Excitingly, they managed to reduce the gap to just 2 points at one point. Such a scene truly gets the blood pumping!
On the Pacers' side, Haliburton, Sheppard, and Turner joined forces, unleashing a 13-0 scoring spree that widened the gap to 15 points, delivering a fatal blow to the Celtics.
Despite Brown's best efforts to catch up for the Celtics, the Pacers held their ground and ultimately won the game 123-114, successfully avenging their previous loss.
Looking at the players' performances, Haliburton of the Pacers was undoubtedly the absolute dominator of the day!
With 19 shots made out of 11 attempts, he scored 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Look at these stats; they're simply beyond what an ordinary person can achieve!
Not only did he score on the court, but his performance in organizing the offense was also quite impressive. The Pacers' victory was inseparable from his outstanding display.
Nembhard also put on an all-around performance, with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, providing strong support for the team.
Siakam, although he didn't reach 30 points, his contribution of 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals still made people feel that he contributed comprehensively to the team.
On the Celtics' side, Brown scored 31 points, and his high efficiency of 13 shots made out of 21 attempts today proved his determination.
Although he set a personal season record by scoring over 30 points in consecutive games, it was apparent that the Celtics couldn't keep up with the Pacers in other aspects.
Tatum also scored 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, which was a decent performance, but compared to the Pacers' all-out explosion, the Celtics' state seemed somewhat monotonous.
Pritchard and White also gave their all, contributing 21 points and 17 points respectively, but defensively, the Celtics clearly fell short.
Some netizens commented: "The Celtics' defense today really had no temper."
The Pacers' offense was diverse, and the Celtics simply couldn't stop them.
Haliburton is simply an unstoppable force; he can not only score himself but also drive his teammates, he's just too versatile!
Today, the Pacers' teamwork was done well; the Celtics' defense was leaky, unable to stop the Pacers' offense.
Another netizen commented: "I don't understand what's going on with the Celtics; they've lost four out of their last six games. With a few missing players in the lineup, their overall state has dropped significantly.
Brown can score 31 points, and Tatum isn't far behind, but they just can't handle the Pacers well, their defense is too loose.
It feels like the Celtics are currently lacking the ability to change the course of the game; they don't show the momentum that a championship team should have."
Another netizen expressed: "The Pacers surprised me in this game!"
"I was quite skeptical of their strength before, but today's performance really exceeded my expectations.
Haliburton's performance can be compared to Tatum and Brown; not only is his scoring ability strong, but his assist organization skills are also excellent.
It can be said that this game was not only Haliburton's personal showcase but also a demonstration of the Pacers' overall strength.
Another netizen analyzed: "After watching this game, I think the Celtics really need to consider making adjustments.
The depth of the lineup is insufficient, lacking key players who can help the team truly open up the score.
Without Porzingis and Holiday, their defensive pressure is too great, and there is a lack of tactical variation.
The Pacers' diverse offensive points and teamwork shown in this game are truly enviable.
After watching this game, the Celtics really need to reflect deeply.
Their problems include insufficient defensive intensity, instability in offense, especially when facing strong opponents, lacking sufficient counterattack capabilities.
In the upcoming season, the Celtics not only need to solve the problem of lineup depth but also make more adjustments in tactics to go further on the road to defending their title.
As for the Pacers, they demonstrated their resilience and counterattack capabilities through this game.
It's clear that the Pacers' current state is no longer that of the indecisive team at the beginning of the season; instead, they seem to have the potential to become a dark horse in the West.