Overtime Thriller: Pacers Defeat Celtics, 135-132
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning overtime victory against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, edging out their rivals 135-132 in a game that went down to the wire. The thrilling encounter showcased the Pacers' resilience and offensive firepower, while highlighting the Celtics' vulnerability in close games.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a seesaw battle from the start, with both teams trading baskets and leads throughout the first three quarters. The Celtics looked to be in control heading into the final frame, leading by as many as 11 points. However, the Pacers mounted a furious comeback, outscoring Boston 34-23 in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
Tyrese Haliburton was the catalyst for the Pacers' resurgence, scoring 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. His clutch free throws with seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 122-122, sending the game into extra time.
Overtime Drama
The overtime period was just as tense as the fourth quarter, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The Celtics had the lead for most of the extra period, but the Pacers refused to back down.
With the score tied at 132-132, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up for the Pacers. The young guard, who had been a key contributor throughout the game, hit a crucial three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining to give Indiana a 135-132 lead. The Celtics had a final chance to tie the game, but Jayson Tatum missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.
Key Performances
Tyrese Haliburton was the leading scorer for the Pacers with 26 points, while Bennedict Mathurin added 23 points. Myles Turner also had a strong performance, contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum led the way with 34 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory. Jaylen Brown added 27 points, while Al Horford chipped in with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
What's Next?
The Pacers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while the Celtics will need to regroup and find a way to close out close games. This thrilling encounter showed the competitive spirit of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry in the Eastern Conference.