Celtics’ Depth Overcomes Pacers, Thwarting Carlisle’s Milestone Victory
The Boston Celtics staged an impressive comeback on Monday night, denying Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle his historic 1,000th win. As the game unfolded at TD Garden, it seemed Carlisle was on the verge of celebrating a significant milestone against the franchise where he spent the majority of his playing career. However, the Celtics had other plans in store.
Fourth Quarter Surge
Jaylen Brown played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ resurgence, netting 14 of his game-high 31 points during a dominant fourth quarter. Boston outscored the Pacers 29-13 in those final 12 minutes, ultimately sealing a 103-95 victory. This win not only marked an important step for the Celtics but also extended the Pacers’ struggles, as they have now squandered fourth-quarter leads in consecutive games against Philadelphia, New York, and Boston during their current five-game losing streak.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla achieved a personal milestone of his own, recording his 200th win at the expense of Carlisle. The Celtics managed to flip the script after trailing 69-49 early in the second half, showcasing their depth and resilience. Mazzulla made the bold decision to bench his starters in search of a spark, a move that proved to be a game-changer.
A Turning Point for the Celtics
Reflecting on the decision to shift strategies, Brown expressed his initial frustration but ultimately acknowledged the wisdom behind Mazzulla’s call. “To be honest I was pissed. I was ready to play, I didn’t feel like we were mailing it in,” he said. “But we trust our coaching staff. It was the right decision. That second group was the reason why we won the game. It was a great call by Joe.”
In contrast, Carlisle’s depleted roster didn’t afford him the same luxury. With key players sidelined, he relied on G League import Ethan Thompson, who started over Quenton Jackson. The two have been swapping roles frequently, highlighting the struggles of the Pacers’ lineup. Thompson logged 34 minutes, while Jackson, who finished second among reserves in playing time behind Johnny Furphy, contributed nine points off the bench. Unfortunately for Indiana, their reserves managed only 18 points, shooting just 5-for-16 from the field and falling significantly short of Boston’s bench production.
Pacers’ Early Momentum Fades
The Pacers initially surged ahead thanks to some hot shooting, but as the game progressed, they lost their offensive rhythm. After a promising start, their late-game performance left much to be desired. With Carlisle still looking to capture that coveted 1,000th win, Monday’s game served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Pacers this season, particularly as they continue to navigate through a rough patch.
In the end, the Celtics’ depth and ability to adapt proved too much for the struggling Pacers, leaving Carlisle still in search of that milestone victory as Boston celebrated yet another resilient win.
