The Indiana Pacers hosted the Boston Celtics on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and while the game itself had all the makings of a late-December showdown, it was the energy, intensity, and individual matchups that really told the story.
From the opening tip, the Pacers came out with purpose. T.J.
McConnell, Indiana’s veteran guard, was in full attack mode early, driving into the heart of Boston’s defense. On one first-half possession, he found himself surrounded by a trio of Celtics - Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Luka Garza - but still managed to get his shot off.
That kind of fearless play has long been McConnell’s calling card, and on this night, it set the tone for the Pacers’ aggressive approach.
Pascal Siakam, Indiana’s midseason acquisition, continued to look like a seamless fit in Rick Carlisle’s system. Siakam was a problem for Boston’s perimeter defenders, particularly rookie Jordan Walsh.
In one sequence, Siakam slipped past Walsh with a smooth drive to the rim, showcasing the kind of versatility that makes him such a matchup nightmare. Whether he was finishing through contact or facilitating out of the high post, Siakam looked every bit the All-Star-caliber forward the Pacers hoped they were getting.
He also brought leadership to the floor. During a timeout in the first half, Siakam was seen encouraging Andrew Nembhard, who’s been stepping into a bigger role in the backcourt. Those moments - the ones that don’t show up in the box score - are part of what makes Siakam’s presence so valuable to this young Pacers squad.
Speaking of Nembhard, the second-year guard was active early, warming up with purpose and looking locked in before tip-off. His development has been one of the more underrated storylines in Indiana this season, and against a team like Boston, every rep matters.
Johnny Furphy, another young piece for Indiana, had his hands full with Boston’s backcourt. Matched up with Anfernee Simons at times, Furphy showed flashes of defensive potential while also getting some guidance from Carlisle during a first-half break. The Pacers clearly see something in Furphy, and games like this - against a team with championship aspirations - are the proving ground.
Aaron Nesmith, now in his second season with Indiana after coming over from Boston, was dialed in emotionally. At one point in the first half, he reacted strongly to a call from the officials, showing the kind of fire that’s become part of his identity. Nesmith has carved out a role with his two-way play, and his energy continues to be a spark off the bench.
Before the game, both Jay Huff and Andrew Nembhard were seen going through warm-ups, focused and intent on their routines. Huff, a big man with stretch potential, continues to earn minutes in a crowded frontcourt rotation. His size and shooting touch give Indiana another wrinkle, especially when spacing is at a premium.
The Celtics, for their part, brought a mix of youth and experience to the floor. Anfernee Simons, now firmly entrenched in Boston’s backcourt plans, was active defensively, staying in front of Furphy and making life difficult for the Pacers’ ballhandlers. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ trio of Hauser, Scheierman, and Garza combined to wall off McConnell in the paint, showing some of the depth that makes Boston such a tough out.
But this night belonged to the Pacers - not just in terms of the scoreboard, but in the way they played. Aggressive.
Connected. Energized.
With Siakam leading the charge and the young core continuing to grow under Carlisle’s steady hand, Indiana looked like a team that’s figuring out who it is - and who it can be.