Celtics snap Pacers win streak
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing without Victor Oladipo, the Indiana Pacers were unable to extend their winning streak. They were defeated by the NBA-leading Boston Celtics (18-3) 108-98 on Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was Indiana’s first loss in their last six games.
The Pacers led 40-29 behind a strong start on both ends of the floor, and led 54-45 at halftime. But as they’ve done so many times this season, the Celtics fought back.
Boston outscored the Pacers 37-16 in the third quarter, and never looked back.
“We were stagnant,” said Pacers point guard Darren Collison. “We didn’t move the ball like we normally do. I take full responsibility.”
Brad Stevens on the Pacers- "They're a hard team to guard. They hurt us in a lot of ways. To our credit, our guys stuck with it." pic.twitter.com/AIXDTJPfnR
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) November 26, 2017
Head Coach Nate McMillan agreed: “We just didn’t handle the defensive pressure well. For us, it’s a night to learn.”
Myles Turner led the way with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, but was once again limited due to foul trouble. The biggest Celtics run of the game happened after he picked up his 4th foul in the third quarter.
The Pacers committed 19 turnovers, and struggled to guard Marcus Smart (15 points, 7-of-8) and Terry Rozier (17 points, 7-of-9) in addition to the likely candidates Kyrie Irving (25 points) and Al Horford (21 points). The Celtics shot 70.3% from the field in the second half.
Despite the loss, it should be difficult for anybody to be too down on this Pacers team. They finished the first quarter of their schedule with an 11-9 record- much better than what many expected. They’ve battled some injuries, have played a pretty tough schedule, and have several wins against top teams.
Pacers beat the Raptors then played a segababa against best team in the east without Vic and were in the game. Calm downnn. It’s okay they lost.
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) November 26, 2017
“I’m very optimistic about where we’re at as a team,” Collison said. “Day off tomorrow, and a chance for guys to reflect and come back strong on Monday.”
The Pacers will face former coach Frank Vogel and the Orlando Magic at home on Monday. Indiana is 5-0 against Vogel and have won by an average of 12.6 points in those games. Victor Oladipo remains questionable for that game (bruised right knee) and the Pacers hope to get him back in the near future.
