The NBA’s holiday slate is already heating up, and Monday night in Boston delivered a game that had a little bit of everything - a 20-point comeback, playoff-level intensity, and a controversial moment that could have ripple effects going into the rematch later this week.
The Celtics hosted the Indiana Pacers in a matchup that had the feel of something much bigger than a mid-December clash. The Eastern Conference, once considered top-heavy, is proving to be a deep and dangerous battleground this season, and both of these teams are right in the thick of it.
Boston, playing in front of a fired-up home crowd, erased a 20-point deficit to pull out a 103-95 win. But the comeback wasn’t the only headline.
In the first quarter, things took a sharp turn when Celtics big man Neemias Queta got tangled up with Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson. After Jackson blocked Queta’s shot attempt, Queta appeared to respond with an elbow - not once, but twice - that sent Jackson to the floor and eventually out of the game.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle didn’t mince words postgame. He acknowledged he wasn’t entirely sure what the rulebook says about that specific sequence, but he was crystal clear on how he felt about the play.
“There was a play where Isaiah Jackson gets elbowed by Queta and then simultaneously gets elbowed a second time,” Carlisle said. “Then he has to go out of the game for concussion observation and was unable to return.”
The concern from Carlisle wasn’t just about a missed call - it was about player safety. “It did not appear to be accidental, and it’s very dangerous,” he added. “I hope the league looks at that.”
Jackson’s status moving forward remains uncertain, but Carlisle made it clear that the team is taking the situation seriously. “I don’t know how long he’s going to be out, but it’s pretty serious,” he said. “The play that happened, it just can’t be missed.”
Boston and Indiana won’t have to wait long to see each other again. The two teams are set for a quick turnaround with a rematch scheduled in Indiana right after Christmas. And with emotions still simmering and a potential league review looming, that game just got a whole lot more interesting.
Keep an eye on whether the NBA takes a closer look at the Queta-Jackson incident. In a season where every game matters - and every possession can shift momentum - moments like these don’t just fade into the background. They linger.