The Pacers, entering the game with the league's worst record at 8-31 and heavy underdogs against a strong Boston squad (24-14 coming in), showed incredible resilience. This marks Indiana's first three-game winning streak of the season and their first win in three meetings against Boston this year.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start. Boston jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter (24-19), powered by sharp shooting in the second (32 points). But the Pacers answered with a strong third quarter (26 points) to take control, building leads as large as double digits after a 15-2 run early in the period.
The Celtics fought back fiercely in the fourth. Trailing since midway through the third, Boston tied it at 96 with under 30 seconds left thanks to a late surge. Payton Pritchard was electric for the visitors, leading all scorers with 23 points and dishing out 8 assists, keeping Boston alive with his scoring and playmaking.
But Siakam had the final say. The Pacers' star forward finished with 21 points, calmly banking in the game-winner to send the home crowd into a frenzy. Jay Huff added a huge 20 points off the bench, including four 3-pointers, providing timely shooting for Indiana.
Despite missing key pieces—Jayson Tatum continues to recover from an Achilles injury, and the Pacers are without Tyrese Haliburton (season-ending ACL tear), Bennedict Mathurin (thumb), Obi Toppin (foot), and Isaiah Jackson (concussion)—Indiana's depth and grit shone through.
Boston's road struggles continued as they dropped to 12-8 away, now starting a four-game trip with a tough loss. They'll look to rebound Thursday at Miami.
The Pacers improve to 9-31 and host Toronto next on Wednesday, riding momentum from this massive statement win.
In a season full of surprises, this one will be remembered: the bottom-feeders toppling a contender in dramatic fashion. Siakam's heroics ensured the Pacers left it all on the floor—and came away with the W.