Celtics sweep three-game roadtrip with win over Pacers, 109-102


The Boston Celtics collect their fourth straight win for the first time this season with a victory over the Indiana Pacers, 109-102.

The C's were guided by Isaiah Thomas (28 pts, 9 ast) who notched the majority of his points in the fourth quarter. Six Celtics finished with double figures in points, including four starters.

Meanwhile, the Pacers were led by Jeff Teague (31 pts, 8 ast, 5 reb) with a tough shooting performance from Paul George (19 pts, 5-for-16 FG). George tallied most of his points in the fourth, but couldn't complete the comeback for Indiana.

 First quarter:

 The Celtics jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead in the first, opening the frame 3-for-4 from the floor. After that, though, Boston struggled to find the bottom of the net, especially from deep. That didn't stop them from pulling the trigger beyond the arc, though.

The C's heaved up 15 three-point attempts in a close game through most of the first... that was until Indiana surged an 11-0 run to close out the quarter, which saw an obscene tech called on Avery Bradley.


That run built the Pacers a 9-point cushion going into the second.

Second quarter:

 "Anything you can do, I can do better." - Probably the Celtics during the break.


The Celtics broke up their scoreless streak at the start of the second and didn't look back. Suddenly a 9-point deficit was erased, and the Celtics weren't done.


Yep. 17-0. The run was sparked by a brand new lineup of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jae Crowder, Jonas Jerebko, and Kelly Olynyk. Not your normal C's five, but the energy forced turnovers and scored relentlessly on the fastbreak. Boston also started to feel the range and regained some confidence from three.


Third quarter

The Celtics didn't let off the gas in the second half, especially on defense.


Generally, Boston couldn't build on the lead they took into halftime, though, going relatively even with the Pacers throughout the quarter. Indiana clawed to within six, but were quickly pushed back to a double digit deficit for the last 8 minutes of the frame.


Fourth quarter:

The Pacers used the fourth quarter to fight their way back into the game. In spite of a typical Isaiah Thomas fourth quarter, the mistakes in the early minutes kept the C's from putting it away.


Terry and Jaylen had another opportunity the very next possession, and low and behold...


Yep. Jaylen at least caught this one, but couldn't convert. Those blunders opened the window for the Pacers to begin their climb back, and that's exactly what they did.


But Isaiah was able to stave off the Pacers surge with another dominant fourth frame.


Celtics lock down the victory at the free throw line and pick up their fourth straight win.

Follow Topher Lane on Twitter, @Topher_L. Photo credit: Brian Spurlock / USA TODAY Sports

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