Siakam’s Clutch Finish Seals Indiana Pacers’ Win Over Boston Celtics

Key Takeaways:

• Pascal Siakam tallied 21 points and delivered the winning 7-foot bank shot with 6.1 seconds left to lift the Pacers past Boston 98-96
• The victory marked Indiana’s first three-game winning streak of the season, improving their record to 9-31
• Boston, beginning a four-game road stretch without Jaylen Brown, saw Payton Pritchard lead their scoring with 23 points and 8 assists

Decisive Moments in Indianapolis

The Indiana Pacers edged out the Boston Celtics 98-96 on Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, securing their first trio of victories in succession this season. With the game deadlocked in the closing half-minute, Derrick White delivered a driving layup to tie the contest at 96-all with 28.6 seconds left.

Pascal Siakam responded by expertly executing a pump-fake, stepping inside the foul line and lofting a high-arcing, 7-foot bank shot that found the net with just 6.1 seconds on the clock. That basket proved decisive, as Boston’s Derrick White failed to convert a go-ahead three-point attempt in the dying moments.

three straight 🙌#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/XmEf0K8Xbs

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 13, 2026

Standout Performances and Key Absences

Siakam capped his night with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jay Huff offered significant support for Indiana, posting 20 points and sinking four three-pointers. The Pacers, who entered the evening with the NBA’s lowest win tally, improved to 9-31 and now sit a half-game clear of the New Orleans Pelicans. They secured the win despite being without forward Bennedict Mathurin (averaging 17.8 points per game), who missed a fifth straight game owing to a thumb injury.

Payton Pritchard contributed a team-high 23 points for Boston and also registered 8 assists. Supporting him were Derrick White, who tallied 18 points, and Anfernee Simons, who added 16. The Celtics faced the Pacers without leading scorer Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined due to lower back spasms. Brown had also received a $35,000 fine earlier on Monday following criticism of the officiating; his average of 29.5 points per game currently ranks sixth in the NBA.

Looking Ahead

The Celtics, who remain third in the Eastern Conference with a 24-15 record, have just begun a four-game road trip and will visit Miami on Thursday. The Pacers are set to host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday as they aim to extend their winning run.