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The Pacers finally closed out a top tier opponent to secure a quality win on Wednesday night when they adjusted their lineup and then executed down the stretch to beat the Celtics.
The bench kept hope alive most of the night and played a huge role in the 38-point fourth quarter. After starting the fourth down 10, the Holiday brother, T.J. McConnell and Doug McDermott teamed up with Domas Sabonis to level the score at 102 apiece before Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren replaced TJMacs and McBuckets.
Nate McMillan stuck with the Holiday brothers and they delivered at both ends, finally finding a way to slow down Kemba Walker when it mattered most with some timely switches while also combining for 20 points at the other end.
The Pacers were up five with 1:26 to go and it was hard not to wonder how they might blow the two-possession lead since late-game execution against quality teams like Boston has been an issue.
Not this time, though. Aside from a shaky possession around the one minute mark which led to an awkward three-point shot and miss by Warren, the Pacers put the ball in the right hands and didn’t flinch. Malcolm Brogdon played the role of closer getting the ball, getting fouled and making free throws. Brogdon made 10 fourth-quarter free throws including all six of his attempts in the final 20 seconds.
The Pacers maintained their spot in the standings, sitting in sixth place in the East and drawing within a half game of the Toronto Raptors who lost to the Clippers last night, the Raps’ fourth loss in their last five games. The Pacers remain six games behind the East’s top team, Milwaukee but just 2.5 games behind second place Philadelphia as they try to maintain a presence among the top teams.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 122, Celtics 117 | Indiana Pacers
Holidays Lead Rescue Effort Off the Bench | Indiana Pacers
Doyel: If the Pacers can play with this Celtics team, they can play with anyone
Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers is eliminated on 'Masked Singer'
Pacers vs. Celtics: Indiana posts signature victory in coming back to knock off Boston
Boston Celtics fall to Indiana Pacers 122-117, despite huge night from Kemba Walker - CelticsBlog
Foul trouble overshadows Jaylen Brown’s stellar performance - CelticsBlog
Gordon Hayward to be reevaluated when Celtics return home
Why Pacers were exactly what Celtics needed | WEEI
Celtics-Pacers Instant Overreactions: Marcus Smart's absence the difference-maker in C's loss
Victor Oladipo finishes in Top 5 on 'The Masked Singer' | 13 WTHR Indianapolis