LATEST NEWS: Tatum scores 30 points and makes clutch blocks as the Celtics defeat the Pacers 129-124.
In Tuesday’s NBA action, the Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 129-124 after a fierce battle, with Jayson Tatum’s clutch blocks in the closing seconds being a particular highlight. Despite their reputation for offensive prowess, Boston’s defence was just as strong as their offence during this game.
Tatum scored thirty points, but his defensive plays—two crucial blocks in the final thirty seconds—were what really sealed the victory for Boston. Joe Mazzulla, the coach of the Boston Celtics, stressed the value of winning games via defence and avoiding an over-reliance on the offensive.
Despite the Pacers having defeated the Celtics in the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament in December, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White scored 25 and 24 points, respectively, to help Boston secure the season series against Indiana 3-2.
With 26 points and 12 rebounds, Aaron Nesmith led Indiana, and Pascal Siakam chipped in with 23 points. Tyrese Haliburton, an All-Star who is back from injury, scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Myles Turner scored 17 points.
After trailing the Celtics by 20 points at the beginning, the Pacers came back and cut the deficit to 127-124. The difference in keeping Boston ahead was a key block by White on Nesmith’s 3-point attempt and a significant block by Tatum on Turner’s jumper. Two more free throws from Jrue Holiday increased the lead, and Boston successfully challenged a foul call.
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Recall the Celtics’ history while embracing the present.
Andy Bernard from “The Office”
“Another lead blown by them!”
“They are very dependable when using the clutch!”
“It’s so frustrating, this team!”
I understand. The pressure to seize this opportunity to the fullest is a result of the extremely high expectations. That might be upsetting and distressing when things don’t work out as planned. I apologise for sounding like an old guy telling anecdotes, but it seems like a good idea to offer some perspective at this point.
In 1984–85, I became interested in the Celtics. The last time Magic hit that running hook, I was about ten years old. I became engrossed with that 85-86 squad, which finished the season with just 15 losses and a 40-1 home record. I was completely spoilt and addicted for life. I was extremely impressionable in my teens.
arrogance that I wanted retribution for last year’s loss to the Lakers and was in fact upset when the Rockets defeated them. In sports, the Celtics were THE dynasty. They would always be magnificent and would always be a way of life. up until they weren’t.
Here, I’m quickly calculating. It was sixteen years ago in 2008. Yes, the club hasn’t won a championship in that period of time, but I’ve got a history lesson for you if you attempt to call these the dark ages. I did some more maths, and if you are 21 years old, you were, give or take, 5 years old for that title year. Maths is hard. With all due respect, you were not around for the franchise’s actual dark ages.
First, there was the Big 3’s first fall. Age and injuries lessened its effect. Although there was a draft of young talent, two of the brightest prospects—Reggie Lewis years later and Len Bias on Draft Night—sadly went away. In an attempt to draft Tim Duncan, ML Carr tanked the 96–97 season after a steady but sluggish slide. Everyone is aware of how that ended.
And then there were the years of Rick Pitino. That era was acceptable because of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Following three seasons without making the playoffs, Rick went on a divisive tirade about the pessimism in Boston, and Jim O’Brien, his main aide, quickly took his position. A guy ahead of his time, he completely embraced the 3-point shooting and motivated the club to challenge for the title in the Eastern Conference Finals.
That team had an exuberant, courageous quality about it. Although their chances of winning were slim, for supporters it was at least an oasis of entertainment among a barren landscape of disappointing seasons. However, it failed, and Danny Ainge was brought in to turn things around a few years later. He traded Antoine Walker and brought in Doc Rivers. The club apparently had Danny’s preference for Kevin Durant over Greg Oden, so they went all in again hoping for him. The lottery balls again defied those hopes, but in the end everything turned out OK.
The Boston Celtics had a 472–644 overall record (a 42.3% winning percentage over 14 seasons) from 1993 to 2007. In contrast, the 813-510 over 17 seasons, or 61.5% of the total, have won since 2007.
This is the Boston Celtics, and the only real indicator of achievement is a championship banner. Therefore, I’m not attempting to downplay how important it is to succeed and take home the crown. Regardless of past performance, anything less than a ring would be a letdown for this core bunch.
But sometimes, I believe it’s worthwhile to stand back and recognise the skill this crew has consistently demonstrated over the past few years, save for a few isolated instances. Let’s go take home another championship banner now!
Regarding his tenure with the Celtics, Malcolm Brogdon said, “I didn’t feel very valued there.”
This Celtics squad needs Joe Mazzulla’s mentality-first philosophy more than anything else.
Celtics weather the Pacers’ comeback by embracing adversity: “We must have proven ourselves in combat”
A suspenseful conclusion: 10 Lessons from the Celtics and Pacers
The clutch back-to-back blocks performed by the Celtics are possibly the greatest thing ever.
Despite losing an early lead, the Boston Celtics come back to defeat the Indiana Pacers 129-124.
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