INDIANAPOLIS — Pascal Siakam delivered a thrilling performance on Wednesday night, scoring 29 points, including a critical 3-pointer with just 6.1 seconds remaining in overtime, lifting the Indiana Pacers to a 135-132 victory over the previously undefeated Boston Celtics.

Siakam matched his personal best by sinking six 3-pointers and contributing significantly on the boards with 11 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin was also instrumental for Indiana, netting 21 of his 30 points in the second half, while Tyrese Haliburton facilitated the offense with 17 points and 12 assists. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Pacers, snapping their three-game losing streak.

The Celtics displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming a daunting 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to push the game into overtime. With 39.7 seconds left in regulation, Derrick White’s layup gave Boston a brief lead at 132-130. However, Indiana closed out the game with the final five points, securing the victory.

Jayson Tatum stood out for Boston, scoring an impressive 37 points. Jaylen Brown contributed 25 points and even had a chance to tie the game in the final moments, but his last-second 3-pointer failed to find the mark. White added 23 points in this highly anticipated matchup, which was the first between these teams since Boston eliminated Indiana during last season’s Eastern Conference finals.

Key Takeaways: The Celtics have had a strong start to the season, winning three of their first four games by significant margins, yet they showed their tenacity by fighting back in this contest. The Pacers successfully showcased their dynamic and high-scoring style of play, capable of generating excitement, although they nearly jeopardized their lead with several turnovers late in the game.

The pivotal moment occurred when Siakam scored Indiana’s last five points, tying the game with a midrange shot with 36 seconds on the clock, then putting the Pacers ahead for good. The outcome hinged on Brown’s missed 3-pointer that ultimately went out of bounds.

Statistics revealed that Indiana set season records with 57 rebounds and 15 made 3-pointers, underscoring their dominance on the glass and beyond the arc.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will aim to bounce back when they face Charlotte on Friday, while the Pacers prepare for their only trip of the season to New Orleans the same night.