Pacers Get Revenge, Top Celtics 135-132 in Overtime Thriller
The Indiana Pacers exacted revenge on the Boston Celtics, defeating their rivals 135-132 in a thrilling overtime contest at TD Garden on Wednesday night. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Pacers and gave them a much-needed boost in the Eastern Conference standings.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Both teams shot over 50% from the field, and the game went down to the wire. With the score tied at 127-127 at the end of regulation, the game went into overtime.
The Pacers outscored the Celtics 8-5 in overtime, thanks in large part to Tyrese Haliburton's clutch performance. Haliburton finished the game with 32 points, including 10 in overtime, and dished out 13 assists. He was the driving force behind the Pacers' victory, making big plays down the stretch when the team needed them most.
"We just wanted to come out and play hard and get a win," said Haliburton after the game. "We've been struggling a little bit lately, so it's good to get this win on the road against a tough team."
The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum, who poured in a game-high 37 points. However, Tatum missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer in regulation.
"We didn't execute well down the stretch," said Tatum after the game. "We had a couple of turnovers that hurt us. We need to be better in those situations."
The Pacers also got big contributions from Myles Turner (25 points, 13 rebounds) and Buddy Hield (24 points). T.J. Warren added 17 points off the bench, providing a valuable scoring punch for Indiana.
The win was a huge confidence booster for the Pacers, who will now look to carry this momentum into their next game. They will be facing a tough test on Friday night as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers on the road.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
- Haliburton's leadership was critical: He controlled the pace of the game and made big plays down the stretch.
- The Pacers showed their resilience: They fought back from a late deficit to win the game in overtime.
- The Celtics struggled to defend the Pacers' perimeter shooting: Indiana shot over 50% from three-point range.
- The game was a great showcase for the Eastern Conference's top teams: Both teams displayed their talent and determination.
This game was a thrilling contest that will be remembered for its intensity and exciting finish. The Pacers showed that they are a team to be reckoned with, and the Celtics will be looking to bounce back in their next game.