The Boston Celtics came into the game riding high with a flawless 4–0 record, but the Indiana Pacers had other plans. In a highly competitive matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024, the Pacers stunned the Celtics 135-132 in overtime. Despite leading by 19 points in the fourth quarter, Indiana nearly squandered their advantage as Boston forced extra time thanks to a dramatic buzzer-beater from Jayson Tatum.
Yet it was Pascal Siakam, Indiana’s newly acquired star, who stole the spotlight with a game-winning step-back three-pointer with 6.1 seconds left in overtime. This win snapped Boston’s unbeaten run and delivered a statement win for the Pacers. Now, we’ll take a detailed look at the Boston Celtics vs Pacers match player stats.
Top Performers: Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin:
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | FT |
| 30 | 4 | 2 | 11-12 |
Mathurin was electric off the bench, providing a critical scoring boost. He attacked the rim with aggression, got to the line often, and capitalized on Boston’s defensive lapses. His energy shifted the momentum during key stretches.
Pascal Siakam:
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3PM (3-Point Makes) |
| 29 | 11 | 5 | 3 |
Siakam played his most impactful game in a Pacers uniform so far. His versatility allowed him to dominate mismatches, and his clutch three-pointer in OT showcased why Indiana made the move to bring him in.
Tyrese Haliburton:
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
| 17 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
Haliburton’s court vision and composure in late-game scenarios were invaluable. His pick-and-roll work and ability to collapse the defense created multiple open looks throughout the game.
Top Performers: Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum:
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3PM |
| 37 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
Tatum took on the leadership mantle, scoring from all over the floor and making big plays when it mattered. His game-tying three at the buzzer to force OT was the highlight of the night for Boston fans.
Jaylen Brown:
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG |
| 25 | 6 | 5 | 11-30 |
Brown had a mixed performance—his scoring kept Boston alive at times, but his shot selection and 1-of-11 shooting from deep hurt the Celtics down the stretch.
Derrick White:
| Points | 3PT | FG |
| 23 | 5-5 | 8-9 |
White was clinical, especially from downtown. Every time the Celtics needed a momentum-shifter, he delivered with a triple. His poise and accuracy stood out in a game full of high-pressure moments.
Boston Celtics Vs Pacers Match Player Stats Comparison
| Stat | Indiana Pacers | Boston Celtics |
| Points | 135 | 132 |
| FG Percentage | 48.1% (50-104) | 40.4% (44-109) |
| 3PT Percentage | 39.5% (15-38) | 33.3% (19-57) |
| Free Throws | 20-25 | 25-30 |
| Total Rebounds | 57 | 51 |
| Assists | 33 | 27 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 14 |
| Fast Break Points | 21 | 11 |
| Bench Points | 46 | 32 |
Indiana won the hustle categories—rebounds, fast breaks, and bench scoring—which gave them the edge despite Boston’s late-game surge.
Tactical Breakdown
Indiana Pacers:
- Offensive Flow: With Haliburton orchestrating, the Pacers prioritized pace, off-ball screens, and kick-outs to shooters. Mathurin’s slashing created high-percentage looks, while Siakam functioned as a stretch four, pulling Boston’s bigs out of the paint.
- Defensive Versatility: While they struggled to contain Tatum in isolation, Indiana focused on limiting secondary scorers like Brown and Jrue Holiday from creating easy opportunities.
- Late-Game Execution: Indiana trusted Siakam and Haliburton in the clutch, deviating from predictable sets to allow improvisation—and it paid off.
Boston Celtics:
- Comeback Mechanics: Boston employed full-court pressure and quick-trigger threes to chip away at the lead. They switched to a smaller lineup late in regulation to increase pace and force Indiana turnovers.
- Offensive Pitfalls: Too often in isolation-heavy sets, the ball movement stagnated. While Tatum and Brown had their moments, the offense sometimes lacked rhythm.
- Bright Spots: Derrick White’s efficiency, Pritchard’s hustle off the bench, and Tatum’s leadership are silver linings in this loss.
Key Highlights
- Siakam’s Game-Winner: A silky step-back three with under seven seconds left—no double-team, just isolation brilliance.
- Tatum’s Clutch Shot: A falling-away corner triple at the buzzer to tie the game and send it to OT.
- White’s Hot Hand: 5-for-5 from deep in a near-flawless shooting night.
- Mathurin’s Bench Explosion: His 30-point performance was one of the best reserve efforts of the season so far.
Upcoming Matchups
The Boston Celtics will take on the Charlotte Hornets in their next game. After the tough overtime loss, they’ll focus on moving the ball better and not relying so much on one-on-one plays. While there are no injury concerns, the team will need to manage player fatigue after such a high-energy game.
The Indiana Pacers will face the New Orleans Pelicans next. They’ll look to keep their momentum going after the big win over Boston. To stay sharp, they’ll need to cut down on turnovers and make better decisions during the final moments of close games.
Final Thoughts
This matchup may have just been a regular season clash, but it had all the ingredients of a playoff duel. The Celtics showed grit in forcing overtime, while the Pacers demonstrated they’re not just rebuilding—they’re ready to contend.
With standout individual efforts and big-time plays, this game added fuel to a growing Eastern Conference rivalry. Both teams will walk away with lessons—but for now, Indiana walks away with the win.