Key Takeaways:
- Jaylen Brown posted 31 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, as the Celtics erased a 20-point second-half deficit
- The Pacers missed 19 of 20 three-point attempts in the second half and suffered their fifth consecutive defeat
- Rick Carlisle remains on 999 career NBA head coaching wins as the Pacers’ losing streak extended
Game Analysis: Celtics Turn Tables in Final Stages
On Monday evening in Boston, Jaylen Brown produced a masterclass performance, tallying a game-high 31 points with 14 coming in the decisive final quarter, as the Celtics staged an impressive fightback to defeat the Indiana Pacers 103-95. Boston, trailing by as many as 20 in the second half, completed the rally to claim their third consecutive victory.
Derrick White contributed 19 points for Boston, while Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons chipped in with 11 points apiece. Brown’s most significant moment arrived late in the game, launching an off-balance three-pointer in front of the Celtics’ bench to give Boston a 96-91 lead with 2:25 remaining. The shot followed Andrew Nembhard’s three-point play which had drawn Indiana level at 91 with 3:49 left on the clock.
Our second unit helped spark a 60-34 second-half advantage against Indy, as we overcame a 20-point deficit for our third straight win.
🔑: https://t.co/YfsudK34tE pic.twitter.com/UggTf3ekit
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 23, 2025
Pacers Falter from Deep in Pivotal Moments
Indiana’s offense saw standout performances from Pascal Siakam, who scored 25 points, and Andrew Nembhard, who finished with 20. However, the Pacers endured major struggles from beyond the arc, especially after halftime. The NBA’s lowest-ranked three-point shooting team, Indiana converted just one of 20 attempts in the second half, ultimately missing 19 in what became their fifth straight loss.
Earlier in the night, the visitors raced ahead by making 60% (12 of 20) of their three-pointers in the opening half, building a 61-43 advantage by the break. Despite Boston ranking second in made threes per game (15.7), they managed only 5 of 18 from deep in the first half.
Turning Points and Tactical Adjustments
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made a bold decision early in the second half, pulling his starters as Indiana surged to a 69-49 lead. Boston gradually clawed their way back, narrowing the margin to eight points entering the final quarter. Brown and White were reintroduced with a minute remaining in the third, providing an offensive spark for the closing stretch.
The final period saw Boston embark on an 11-2 run, seizing their first lead since the first half on Brown’s reverse layup. Brown, who had missed the Celtics’ previous game against Toronto due to illness – a contest where Pritchard led the team with 33 points – returned to pivotal effect.
| Team | Top Scorers | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Jaylen Brown (31), Derrick White (19), Payton Pritchard (11), Anfernee Simons (11) | 103 |
| Indiana Pacers | Pascal Siakam (25), Andrew Nembhard (20) | 95 |
Coaching Milestone Put on Hold
Rick Carlisle’s pursuit of becoming the 13th NBA coach to reach 1,000 career victories was postponed, leaving him on 999 wins accrued over 24 seasons. Indiana’s defeat was their fifth in a row since defeating the Sacramento Kings 116-105 on 8 December. The Pacers will attempt to break their slide when they host Milwaukee on Tuesday, while Boston are set to visit Indiana on Friday.
