Watch: Clutch Pascal Siakam 3-pointer sinks Celtics in overtime
The Celtics lost to the Pacers for the first time since Jan. 8.
The Celtics erased a 24-point deficit Wednesday night against the Pacers but ultimately came up short in overtime.
Pascal Siakam drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 7.1 seconds remaining in overtime which proved to be the go-ahead basket. Siakam led the Pacers with a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The shot helped Indiana survive a series of Celtics’ heroics. Jayson Tatum hit a clutch stepback 3-pointer to force overtime. Neemias Queta grabbed nine rebounds in 14 minutes, helping Boston stay in the game. Derrick White was a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range.
Jaylen Brown, who finished 1-for-11 from deep, airballed a 3-pointer on the Celtics’ final possession, sealing the win for Indiana.
The Celtics swept Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Boston had won seven of its last nine against the Pacers dating back to Nov. 1 of last season.
Indiana owned the paint, outscoring the Celtics by 18 down low. They had 10 more assists. They had eight more fast break points. The Celtics forced them into 19 turnovers, including several in key situations, but Indiana was able to hang on for the win.
The Celtics shot 40.4 percent from the field, their lowest mark of the season. Boston remains atop the Atlantic Division standings, despite the loss.
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