Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to a stunning 135-132 overtime victory over the previously undefeated Boston Celtics on Wednesday night in Indianapolis. In a game filled with intensity, Siakam’s clutch 3-pointer with just 7.3 seconds left in OT ultimately secured the win for the Pacers, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Boston’s Jaylen Brown missed a late attempt to equalize, giving Indiana a hard-fought and well-earned victory.
The win was especially impressive given that Boston, with a perfect record coming into the game, had clawed back from a 24-point deficit to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. Despite the Celtics’ comeback, Indiana’s depth and resilience were on full display, with Siakam’s composed finish sealing their first major win of the season.
A Stellar Performance by Siakam and Mathurin
Siakam was an all-around force for the Pacers, finishing the night with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. His efforts were complemented by Bennedict Mathurin, who came off the bench to deliver an outstanding performance with a team-high 30 points and 11 rebounds. Mathurin’s energy and efficiency kept Indiana’s offense firing, and his presence provided a key scoring boost that the Pacers needed to outlast the Celtics in a game that pushed both teams to their limits.
Pascal Siakam’s clutch triple with 6.1 seconds left in OT powers the @Pacers to victory!
Bennedict Mathurin: 30 PTS, 11 REB
Tyrese Haliburton: 17 PTS, 12 AST pic.twitter.com/zMlup3SzQM— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2024
Indiana’s victory highlighted their team’s depth, with Tyrese Haliburton also contributing significantly, posting a double-double with 17 points and 12 assists. Haliburton’s playmaking ensured a balanced attack and allowed Indiana to capitalize on open looks throughout the game.
Celtics’ Comeback Led by Jayson Tatum and Derrick White Falls Short
For Boston, Jayson Tatum was the standout performer, scoring a game-high 37 points. Tatum, who has been sensational this season, nearly carried the Celtics to an improbable comeback, hitting a 3-pointer with 14.4 seconds left to tie the game and send it into overtime. However, his 5-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc highlighted Boston’s overall struggle with long-range shooting. Jaylen Brown, contributing 25 points, and Derrick White, adding 23 points, also pushed the Celtics close to victory but could not convert in the final moments.
The Celtics struggled with their shooting accuracy, hitting only 40.4 percent of their field goals and just 33.3 percent (19 of 57) from 3-point range. Brown had a particularly tough night from deep, making only one of his 11 attempts, which ultimately hampered Boston’s scoring efforts in key moments.
The Pacers’ Resilient First-Half Lead and Key Moments in Overtime
Indiana asserted dominance early in the game, establishing an aggressive rhythm that caught the Celtics off-guard. The Pacers led by as many as 13 points in the first half and entered halftime with a solid 67-57 lead. Siakam was instrumental in maintaining this advantage, putting up 17 points by the break and finding success against Boston’s defensive schemes.
The Pacers extended their lead to 24 points midway through the third quarter, which seemed insurmountable at the time. However, Boston’s resilience showed as they fought back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pacers 46-32 and drawing level with Tatum’s late 3-pointer. Indiana regrouped in overtime and managed to outscore Boston 11-8, demonstrating their composure and clutch play when it counted.
In the critical moments of overtime, it was Siakam who took charge, sinking a 3-pointer with 7.3 seconds remaining to give Indiana the decisive lead. The Pacers’ victory marked a collective team effort and showcased their depth, with strong performances not only from Siakam and Mathurin but also from their role players who stepped up in the absence of key starter Myles Turner.
Absences Impact Both Teams
The absence of center Myles Turner due to a sprained ankle did not seem to faze the Pacers. Turner, who averaged 15 points and 6.3 rebounds over Indiana’s first four games, would have been a valuable asset in defending the paint, especially against Boston’s driving offense. However, Indiana’s bench came up big, and players like Mathurin and Haliburton filled in the gaps effectively, compensating for Turner’s absence and giving the Pacers an edge in versatility and energy. 
For Boston, Sam Hauser made his return after missing three games with a back issue, scoring five points in 14 minutes. Although Hauser’s return was a boost to Boston’s bench, it wasn’t enough to overcome the shooting struggles that plagued the team throughout the game. Boston’s normally reliable sharpshooters couldn’t find their rhythm from 3-point range, which ultimately hindered their ability to close the gap and secure a win.
What This Win Means for the Pacers
This victory over Boston serves as a morale booster for the Pacers, who had dropped three consecutive games prior to this contest. With a commanding performance against one of the league’s top teams, Indiana reasserted itself as a formidable squad capable of holding its own against elite competition. Siakam’s leadership and Mathurin’s breakout game indicate that Indiana’s roster has depth, skill, and versatility, which could propel them toward a strong season.
MATHURIN AND SIAKAM LEAD THE WAY
Mathurin: 30 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST
Siakam: 29 PTS, 6 3PM, 11 REB, 5 AST@Pacers hold off the Celtics in an OT thriller! pic.twitter.com/4Nswz3s9HG— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2024
The Pacers’ success in this game was built on solid teamwork, effective ball movement, and clutch shooting—all qualities they will need to sustain to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Haliburton’s continued development as a playmaker adds another layer of strength to the team, making them a more dynamic and unpredictable opponent for their rivals.
Celtics’ First Loss: A Wake-Up Call?
For the Celtics, this loss is a reminder that even the league’s top teams can face setbacks. Their comeback attempt was impressive, showing the team’s resilience, but the shooting struggles exposed areas for improvement. Tatum’s high-scoring performance could not offset Boston’s poor shooting percentages, and Brown’s struggles from deep highlighted the need for more consistent offensive options.
As Boston moves forward, they will look to regroup and refine their strategies, particularly in close games where shooting efficiency is crucial. Head coach Joe Mazzulla may also reconsider the team’s reliance on perimeter shooting, especially in high-stakes moments where alternatives could yield better results.
Looking Ahead
Both teams have significant games ahead. Boston will be looking to bounce back quickly and reestablish their winning form, while Indiana will aim to build on this momentum and continue to climb in the Eastern Conference standings. With their resilient performance, the Pacers have shown they can contend with the best, while Boston will need to address their shooting inconsistencies to remain among the league’s elite.
As the season progresses, the outcome of this thrilling game may well serve as a turning point for both teams—signifying the Pacers’ potential for an impressive season and highlighting the areas where the Celtics can improve to reach their championship aspirations.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Stephen Curry Suffers Ankle Injury in Warriors’ Loss to Clippers: What’s Next for Golden State Without Their Star?
- Booker Drops 33, Durant Adds 30 as Suns Rally to Beat Lakers 109-105, Handing LA Their First Loss
- Standout Performances, Surprising Struggles, and Major Takeaways from the First Week of the 2024-25 NBA Season
