The energy inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse was different. You could feel it in the nosebleeds. People haven't had much to cheer for lately, honestly. Entering the week, this team was sitting on the worst record in the league.
Then Monday night happened.
If you are looking for the Indiana Pacers score last night, the blue and gold pulled off a gritty, ugly, beautiful 98-96 win against the Boston Celtics. It wasn't just a win. It was a statement. For a team that has been struggling to find its identity all season, beating a top-tier Eastern Conference contender like Boston feels like a massive turning point.
How the Pacers Toppled the Celtics
Basketball is a game of runs, but this was a game of stops. The Pacers aren't exactly known for their lockdown defense this year. Coming into this matchup, they were ranked near the bottom of the league in opponent points per game. But something clicked.
They held Boston to just 96 points.
Pascal Siakam was the hero. There's no other way to put it. With the clock winding down and the game tied at 96-all, Siakam took the ball, pump-faked, and stepped inside the foul line. He hit a high-arcing 7-foot bank shot with exactly 6.1 seconds left on the clock.
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That was it. The dagger.
Key Performers and Stats
- Pascal Siakam: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists. He did everything.
- Jay Huff: 20 points, including four massive 3-pointers. He’s becoming a real floor-spacer.
- Payton Pritchard (Celtics): 23 points and 8 assists. He kept Boston in it late.
- Derrick White (Celtics): 18 points, but he missed the potential game-winning three at the buzzer.
The Context of the Streak
This victory marks the first time this season that Indiana has won three games in a row. Let that sink in for a second. We are in mid-January, and this is the first real momentum we've seen.
The Pacers improved to 9-31. Yeah, the record is still rough. It's actually half a game better than the New Orleans Pelicans now. But if you've been watching the games, the "vibe" is shifting.
They did this without Bennedict Mathurin, too. He’s been out for five straight games with a thumb injury. Losing 17.8 points per game usually kills a struggling team, but others are stepping up. Jay Huff is the name on everyone’s lips right now. His ability to stretch the floor at his size is giving Rick Carlisle some interesting lineup options.
What This Means for the Standings
The Eastern Conference is a meat grinder. The Pistons are surprisingly at the top (28-10), followed by the Knicks and Celtics. Indiana is still at the bottom, sitting at 15th.
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But look at the gap. They are now within striking distance of the Nets and Wizards.
Most people got it wrong. They thought this team was tanking for a high draft pick. And maybe they were? But the players on the floor don't look like they're trying to lose. Winning against the Heat and then following it up by nipping the Celtics 98-96 shows a level of "want-to" that was missing in November.
Defensive Turnaround
Earlier this month, the Pacers gave up 135 points to the Magic. They gave up 123 to the Spurs. Holding a team to under 100 points is basically a miracle for this roster.
Rick Carlisle seems to be leaning into a more "grind-it-out" style lately. Is it sustainable? Probably not for 82 games, but it's working right now. They're playing Pascal Siakam at the 5 in stretches, which is a bold move that most analysts didn't see coming. It opens up the lane for Andrew Nembhard to operate, even if Tyrese Haliburton is having a bit of a statistical dip compared to his All-NBA pace from last year.
Looking Ahead: Can They Keep It Going?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. The Pacers stay at home for a while, which is a blessing. Next up is the Toronto Raptors tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 14.
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The Raptors are hovering around the 4th seed. It’s another huge test. If the Pacers can somehow make it four in a row, the conversation around this team is going to change from "lottery watch" to "play-in threat" very quickly.
Basically, the Indiana Pacers score last night gave fans a reason to care again. It wasn't just the two points in the win column. It was the way they won. Defensive intensity, clutch shot-making, and a bit of luck on the final whistle.
To stay ahead of the curve with this team, watch the injury reports for Bennedict Mathurin. His return will either bolster this new defensive identity or disrupt the rhythm Jay Huff has found. Also, keep an eye on the trade deadline. With the team playing better, the front office might be less inclined to sell off veteran pieces like Siakam or Myles Turner.
If you’re heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Raptors game, expect a louder crowd. The city is starting to believe again, even if the record says they shouldn't. Focus on the turnover battle tonight; the Pacers won last night because they valued the ball and forced the Celtics into uncomfortable shots late in the shot clock. Repeat that, and the streak continues.