Pacers vs Celtics Match Player Stats
Get a detailed breakdown of the Pacers vs Celtics Match Player Stats, including top scorers, key performances, and how Indiana edged out Boston.
Imagine two evenly matched teams crashing into each other like heavyweight boxers trading blows. That’s exactly what happened when the Indiana Pacers met the Boston Celtics in their latest encounter. After dropping a blowout just two nights earlier, the Pacers roared back in the rematch at TD Garden, pulling off a 123-114 victory. How did it happen?
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of player stats, team comparisons, and the key moments that decided this rollercoaster of a game.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3PTM | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | 31 | 3 | 12 | 11-19 (57.9%) | 5 | 34 |
| Andrew Nembhard | Pacers | 23 | 3 | 6 | 9-14 (64.3%) | 2 | 32 |
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | 19 | 8 | 5 | 7-14 (50%) | 1 | 35 |
| Myles Turner | Pacers | 17 | 10 | 2 | 6-11 (54.5%) | 3 | 30 |
| Aaron Nesmith | Pacers | 13 | 3 | 2 | 5-8 (62.5%) | 2 | 29 |
| Jarace Walker | Pacers (Bench) | 9 | 2 | 1 | 3-5 (60%) | 1 | 14 |
| Thomas Bryant | Pacers (Bench) | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3-3 (100%) | 0 | 10 |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics | 31 | 3 | 5 | 12-20 (60%) | 3 | 33 |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 28 | 7 | 4 | 11-24 (45.8%) | 4 | 35 |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | Celtics | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6-11 (54.5%) | 0 | 26 |
| Derrick White | Celtics | 12 | 2 | 6 | 5-13 (38.5%) | 2 | 31 |
| Al Horford | Celtics | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3-7 (42.9%) | 1 | 27 |
Latest Game Recap and Final Score
The final score says it all: Pacers 123, Celtics 114. This wasn’t just another regular-season tick on the calendar; it was the rubber match of their season series, and the Pacers took the series 2-1 with this win.
After enduring a staggering 37-point loss to Boston on Friday, Indiana looked like a different team on Sunday. The Pacers rebounded impressively, outrunning Boston by outscoring them 33-23 in the third quarter and holding on down the stretch. It was a Sunday night showdown in Boston, and the TD Garden crowd saw an upset in the making.
Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 31 points, sparking Indiana’s high-powered offense. By the final buzzer, the Pacers’ gritty comeback had turned heads. This game was a statement – a complete turnaround from the drubbing they suffered 48 hours earlier.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown
| Quarter | Indiana Pacers | Boston Celtics | Score Difference | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Q | 27 | 29 | Celtics +2 | Boston had a slight edge early, closing the quarter with a narrow lead as both teams tested each other’s defenses. |
| 2nd Q | 38 | 29 | Pacers +9 | Indiana exploded offensively, outscoring Boston by 9 points and flipping the momentum to take a 56–58 lead at halftime. |
| Halftime | 56 | 58 | Celtics +2 (HT) | Despite the 2nd quarter surge, Pacers still trailed by 2 going into the half. |
| 3rd Q | 33 | 33 | Even | Both teams matched each other shot-for-shot in a tightly contested third quarter with high pace and intensity. |
| 4th Q | 25 | 23 | Pacers +2 | Indiana held firm despite Boston’s repeated attempts to rally. Clutch defense and timely shooting sealed the win. |
| Final | 123 | 114 | Pacers +9 | The Pacers took control in the second quarter and never let go, withstanding Boston’s pressure in a closely fought battle. |
- 1st Quarter: Pacers 27 – Celtics 29
- 2nd Quarter: Pacers 38 – Celtics 29
- 3rd Quarter: Pacers 33 – Celtics 33
- 4th Quarter: Pacers 25 – Celtics 23
The Pacers actually fell slightly behind after the first frame and trailed 56-58 at halftime. But they blitzed the Celtics in the second quarter, putting up 38 points to take control. From there, Indiana essentially held a narrow lead to win. The game was a tug-of-war – Boston kept coming back, but the Pacers weathered every storm.
Team Season Stat Comparison
| Stat Category | Indiana Pacers (Season Avg.) | Boston Celtics (Season Avg.) | Game Performance (Pacers) | Game Performance (Celtics) | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 117.4 | 116.3 | 120+ (actual: 123) | 110+ (actual: 114) | Pacers slightly edge Boston in season scoring, and their offensive rhythm translated into this game. |
| Field Goal Percentage | 48.79% | 46.23% | 52.9% | 46.2% | Indiana’s elite shot-making efficiency was crucial in holding off Boston’s defense. |
| 3-Point Percentage | 37.4% (league avg) | 38.8% (top-tier) | 39.1% | 29.6% | Celtics struggled from deep, while Pacers maintained consistency beyond the arc. |
| Rebounds Per Game | 41.8 | 45.3 | Balanced effort | Strong on boards | Boston’s size advantage generally helps on the glass, but it didn’t dominate this matchup. |
| Assists Per Game | 29.2 | 26.1 | Likely exceeded average | Below average | Indiana’s ball movement was crisp, leading to high-quality looks and more assists. |
| Turnovers Per Game | 9.6 | 11.0 | Took care of the ball well | Slightly sloppy | Pacers’ discipline in possession was a major difference-maker. |
| Season Record | 50–32 | 61–21 | – | – | Despite a better season record, Boston couldn’t convert that dominance into a win on this night. |
| Efficiency Gap | Higher FG% and fewer TOs | Slightly better rebounding | Maximized offensive potential | Below shooting norm | The Pacers capitalized on every small statistical edge, especially shooting efficiency. |
Looking at the season stats helps put this game in perspective. The Pacers and Celtics are both efficient teams, but there are some contrasts:
- Points Per Game (Season): Pacers 117.4 vs Celtics 116.3
- Field Goal Percentage: Pacers 48.79% vs Celtics 46.23%
- Rebounds Per Game: Celtics 45.3 vs Pacers 41.8
- Assists Per Game: Pacers 29.2 vs Celtics 26.1
- Turnovers Per Game: Pacers 9.6 vs Celtics 11.0
In the standings, Boston has been dominant (61-21) and Indiana solid (50-32). That’s a gulf in record, but on any given night, the gap can close. Case in point: this matchup.
Indiana’s offense clicked, shooting 52.9% from the field (and an impressive 39.1% from deep) compared to Boston’s 46.2% and 29.6%. That efficiency gap helped Indiana pull away.
Pacers Player Performance Highlights
| Player | Position | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG / 3PT Shooting | Key Contributions | Impact Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | PG | 31 | 6 | 7 | 11-of-19 FG | Hit clutch shots, facilitated offense, rebounded defensively | Floor general and offensive engine; did a bit of everything in a high-efficiency, all-around performance |
| Andrew Nembhard | G | 17 | 8 | 8 | Efficient midrange & drives | Nearly triple-double; made hustle plays, moved the ball, created pace | Vital return from injury; stabilized the backcourt with smart decisions and intensity |
| Pascal Siakam | F | 17 | 8 | 2 | Solid FG% from mid-range | Consistent scoring, strong positioning on defense | Reliable two-way presence; used length to bother Celtics’ wings |
| Bennedict Mathurin | F (Bench) | 14 | 3 | 1 | Scored in bursts | Attacked the rim, drew fouls, hit from deep | Instant offense off the bench; energized the second unit |
| Myles Turner | C | 13 | 6 | 1 | 50% FG | Protected the rim, helped outrebound Celtics 50–41 (11 offensive boards) | Defensive anchor and interior deterrent |
| Jarace Walker | F (Rookie) | 12 | 2 | 0 | 4-of-8 FG (3-of-5 3PT) | Hit big shots, especially from three, provided floor spacing | Timely contributions with veteran-like poise; gave team momentum boosts |
| Ben Sheppard | G/F (Bench) | 8 | 2 | 1 | Efficient 3PT shooting | Hustle plays, active perimeter defense, hit a three | High-energy minutes; valuable in short bursts |
| Thomas Bryant | C (Bench) | 8 | 7 | 1 | Efficient inside scoring | Offensive rebounds, put-backs, inside finishes | Productive in limited minutes; helped maintain physical edge during rotations |
Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
The engine of Indiana’s offense. Haliburton poured in 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding six rebounds and seven assists. He was everywhere: hitting clutch shots, dishing assists, rebounding defensively – a true Swiss Army knife performance.
Andrew Nembhard (G)
Nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. His return from injury was huge. Not only did he score with confidence, but he also made hustle plays and kept the ball moving. His impact was felt well beyond the stat line.
Pascal Siakam (F)
Chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Siakam was a consistent scoring option and contributed defensively with his length and positioning.
Bennedict Mathurin (F)
Finished with 14 points coming off the bench. He provided instant offense, hit a three-pointer, drove to the hoop, and drew fouls. His energy was contagious.
Myles Turner (C)
Grabbed 6 rebounds and scored 13 points. More importantly, he deterred Celtics from easy inside shots and helped Indiana outrebound Boston 50–41, including 11 offensive boards.
Jarace Walker (F)
The rookie provided instant offense off the bench with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting (3-of-5 from three). He hit timely shots that gave Indiana breathing room.
Ben Sheppard
Contributed 8 points with energetic minutes, particularly with his hustle and three-point shooting.
Thomas Bryant
Had 8 points and 7 rebounds in just 15 minutes. His put-backs and slashing drives brought energy to the floor.
Summary: Indiana’s collective effort looked like a team in sync. From the starting lineup to the bench, everyone had a role – with Haliburton and Nembhard clearly leading the way.
Celtics Player Performance Highlights
Jaylen Brown (G)
Brown had a stellar 31 points and 6 assists. He attacked the paint aggressively and knocked down tough shots. However, much of his scoring came late, after the Pacers had already built momentum.
Jayson Tatum (F)
Tatum tallied 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. He had an off shooting night (8-of-17 FG, 2-of-10 from three) and a few defensive lapses. Still, his effort was visible on the boards.
Payton Pritchard (G)
Pritchard was a surprise contributor off the bench with 21 points, hitting 5-of-8 threes. His hot shooting stretched the floor, but it wasn’t enough to change the game’s outcome.
Derrick White (G)
Scored 17 points while running point. Though efficient in moments, he went cold from long range and racked up four fouls, limiting his impact late.
Sam Hauser (F)
Scored 9 points on 3-of-6 from deep. Hauser was efficient with limited touches but couldn’t spark a significant run.
Al Horford (C)
Had a rough outing with just 5 points and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes. Shooting 2-of-12 from the field, he struggled to convert open looks.
Xavier Tillman (F)
Scored 2 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in just 14 minutes. Most of his action came in garbage time but he showed hustle on the boards.
Others
Drew Peterson and Luke Kornet contributed minimally, with Kornet pulling in 9 rebounds but scoring zero points. Jordan Walsh and Jaden Springer went scoreless. Notably, Jrue Holiday missed the game due to a shoulder injury.
Key Game Highlights and Turning Points
- Second Quarter Surge: Indiana turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring Boston by 9 and seizing control of the game.
- Haliburton’s Playmaking: His ability to balance scoring and assists kept Boston guessing.
- Bench Firepower: Walker, Nembhard, Bryant, and Sheppard provided critical points that helped Indiana maintain their lead.
- Defensive Stops: Indiana’s defense forced tough shots and held Boston to sub-30% from three-point range.
- Rebounding Advantage: The Pacers outrebounded the Celtics 50-41, including 11 offensive rebounds that extended key possessions.
Final Thoughts
This game showed that even against an elite team like Boston, Indiana has the firepower, depth, and grit to compete – and win. The turnaround from a 37-point loss to a 9-point win in just two days is a testament to coaching adjustments, player resilience, and star performances from Haliburton and company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the most recent game between the Pacers and the Celtics?
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics with a final score of 123-114.
2. What was the season series result between the Pacers and the Celtics?
The Pacers won the season series 2-1 against the Celtics.
3. Who was the top scorer in the game?
Tyrese Haliburton and Jaylen Brown both scored 31 points, leading their respective teams.
4. How did the Pacers turn things around after their previous loss?
Indiana rebounded from a 37-point loss by improving their shooting efficiency, tightening their defense, and outscoring the Celtics in key stretches—particularly in the second and third quarters.
5. What were the key stats that favored the Pacers?
The Pacers had higher shooting percentages (52.9% FG, 39.1% 3PT), more assists, and more offensive rebounds, which helped them maintain control of the game.
6. Which Pacers players made the biggest impact?
Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner all made significant contributions, with strong showings from the bench, including Jarace Walker and Thomas Bryant.
7. Why did the Celtics struggle in this game?
Boston had an off night shooting, especially from three-point range (just 29.6%), and lacked defensive intensity. Several role players underperformed, and Jrue Holiday’s absence was also felt.
8. Was anyone missing due to injury?
Yes, Jrue Holiday was out for the Celtics due to a shoulder injury, impacting their backcourt defense and offensive rhythm.
9. What was the turning point in the game?
The second quarter was the turning point, where Indiana scored 38 points and shifted momentum. They maintained the lead for the rest of the game.
10. What does this result mean for playoff positioning or momentum?
While Boston still holds a better overall record, this win gave Indiana confidence and proved they can compete with top-tier teams. It also demonstrated the Pacers’ resilience and depth heading into the final stretch of the season.
