Imagine watching a basketball team dominate the court, only to crumble under pressure and lose a massive lead. That’s exactly what happened to the Pacers in their heart-wrenching 103-95 loss to the Celtics on Monday night at TD Garden. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it the Pacers’ inability to sustain their momentum, or the Celtics’ relentless comeback that sealed the deal? Let’s dive in.
The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s 25 points, seemed unstoppable in the first half. They built a staggering 20-point lead, fueled by a scorching 12-of-20 performance from beyond the arc. At halftime, they were up 61-43, and everything looked under control. And this is the part most people miss: Despite their early dominance, the Pacers’ reliance on long-range shots would later become their downfall.
In the second half, the script flipped dramatically. The Pacers’ shooting went ice-cold, as they missed their first eight 3-pointers and went on to shoot a dismal 1-of-20 from deep in the final two quarters. Their once-commanding lead evaporated, and they managed just 34 points in the entire second half. Meanwhile, the Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown’s explosive 31-point performance, outscored the Pacers 60-34 after the break. Brown, who was held to just 11 points in the first half, erupted for 20 in the second, showcasing why he’s a superstar in the making.
Here’s a bold take: The Pacers’ collapse wasn’t just about missed shots—it was about mental fortitude. When the pressure mounted, they couldn’t adapt, while the Celtics thrived under it. Derrick White added 19 points, and Peyton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons chipped in 11 each for Boston, who improved to 18-11 with their third straight win. For the Pacers, it was their fifth consecutive loss, dropping them to a league-worst 6-23.
Now, let’s talk about Pascal Siakam. After a stellar first half where he scored 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three, he virtually disappeared in the second half, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Is Siakam the Pacers’ savior, or does he need more support to carry this struggling team?
For the Pacers, this loss is a painful reminder of their season-long struggles, particularly their league-worst 3-point shooting percentage (.323). For the Celtics, it’s a testament to their resilience and ability to flip a game on its head. What do you think? Was this a Pacers collapse or a Celtics masterclass? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
For more in-depth analysis, follow Dustin Dopirak’s coverage of the Pacers all season. Check out IndyStarTV and subscribe to the Pacers Insider newsletter for the latest updates.
