Kristaps Porzingis waved his finger to specific his disagreement, strolling away with a sarcastic smile on his face. On the bench, Jayson Tatum held each his fingers on his head, incredulous at what he simply noticed.
The Celtics actually didn’t agree with the decision, or the opposite unlucky officiating resolution that led to this second. But on an evening through which their protection price them, they’d no proper to complain. They went down in becoming trend on Monday night time in Indiana.
With the sport tied within the closing seconds, Bennedict Mathurin put up a 3-point prayer on the buzzer that missed. But the whistle blew. Porzingis made contact on his arm. The Celtics didn’t have a problem remaining, and with 0.6 seconds remaining, Mathurin made two free throws that despatched the Pacers to a wild 133-131 victory.
Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 40 factors to steer the Celtics, who have been nonetheless left puzzled at one other name that price them within the waning moments. On the earlier possession, Brown dribbled into the nook in triple protection towards the Pacers and pulled up for an extended two. Initially, it seemed like he and the Celtics caught a break as Buddy Hield was whistled for a capturing foul after swiping him from behind.
But the Pacers challenged the decision, and surprisingly, it was overturned. Though it appeared Hield hit Brown within the head, officers dominated that he made contact with the ball first, and gave the Pacers possession with two seconds remaining.
Though the Celtics have been displeased with the results of these closing calls, there was no excuse for them letting it get to that time. Tyrese Haliburton went down with an unlucky hamstring damage late within the first half, however the Pacers nonetheless managed to thrive with out their All-Star guard. After main by 9 at halftime, the Celtics gave up 74 factors within the second half, together with 44 in one other unhealthy third quarter in a brutal defensive displaying.
Source: www.bostonherald.com