The Boston Celtics ended the Indiana Pacers' six-game winning streak on Saturday night with a dominant 118-101 victory in Indianapolis.
Jayson Tatum led the way with a game-high 38 points, and Jaylen Brown chipped in with 31.Tatum displayed his all-around abilities by scoring, getting 13 rebounds, and dishing out six assists.
He made eight of his 13 3-point shots, demonstrating his ability beyond the arc. The Celtics established their dominance early, leading 29-17 after the opening quarter, 58-49 at halftime, and 84-81 entering the fourth quarter.
With 7:30 left in the fourth quarter, Boston led 100-85 thanks to a 14-2 run capped by a Tatum 3-pointer. With just 1:17 remaining, Tatum's late three-pointer increased the Celtics' lead to 116-97, clinching the victory.
Al Horford also had ten points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Despite laboring from the free-throw line (10-for-19), the Celtics were able to keep the Pacers at bay.
Tyrese Haliburton paced the Pacers with 17 points and seven assists, while Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 20. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner both contributed 15 and 12 points.
Indiana, on the other hand, struggled from beyond the arc, making only eight of 42 attempts (19 percent).
The Celtics played the most of the game without center Kristaps Porzingis, who exited the court early in the first quarter with an eye injury. Despite this setback, Boston showed perseverance and depth to prevail.