Pacers’ Head Coach Makes Key Admission After Celtics’ 20-Point Comeback Win

The Boston Celtics secured an impressive win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Dec. 22. Joe Mazzulla’s squad went into halftime trailing by 20 points. However, after making the bold call to pull some of the team’s starters early in the third quarter, Boston clawed its way back into the game before taking the lead in the fourth.

During his postgame news conference, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle detailed how the Celtics took control of the game despite being down at the start of the second half.

“I thought they picked up their physicality; their bench became more of a factor in the second half,” Carlisle said, via the Pacers YouTube channel. “You know, we needed to keep attacking, and we didn’t do it enough. We held them to 103 points. You know, that’s another small win. I mean, we’re trying to win basketball games, but this team is going through things that are difficult things, but they’re things that are going to strengthen us.”

The win was Boston’s 18th of the season. Mazzulla’s team continues to find different ways to win. The Celtics are slowly finding their identity as a gritty, never-say-die team with a high-octane style. And while Boston’s defense is still a concern, there are signs of improvement, especially when leaning into the zone.

Most importantly, the Celtics are becoming a formidable opponent at home. They have won 10-of-15 in the TD Garden, as opposed to their 8-6 record on the road.

Furthermore, Boston is finding success with its developmental talent. Josh Minott, Hugo Gonzalez, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh and even Luka Garza have all stepped up at different points of the season. Against the Pacers was no different, with Gonzalez and Garza both impressing for the second straight game.

The Celtics will get a few days of rest over the Christmas period. They are back in action on Friday, Dec. 26, when they face the Pacers in what will be an immediate rematch for both teams.