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Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics: Game Recap and Box Score

December 21, 2022

Pacers Fall Short Against Celtics in Hard-Fought Matchup

The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics faced off in an intense NBA showdown at TD Garden on December 21, 2022. The Celtics emerged victorious with a final score of 112-104, handing the Pacers their second loss of the season.

The first quarter set the tone for a competitive game. Both teams traded baskets, with the Celtics holding a slim lead for much of the period. However, the Pacers managed to close the gap and trail by just five points heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Celtics extended their lead to double digits, but a late surge by the Pacers kept them within striking distance. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers' scoring with 12 points in the first half, while Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 15.

The Pacers continued to fight back in the third quarter, chipping away at the Celtics' lead. Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin provided a much-needed spark off the bench, combining for 20 points in the period. However, the Celtics remained in control and held a 79-71 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Pacers refused to go down without a fight. Haliburton and Hield drained several big shots to bring the Pacers within two points, but the Celtics responded with clutch shots of their own. Tatum sealed the victory for the Celtics with a late three-pointer, giving them the 112-104 win.

Box Score

Indiana Pacers

Player	PTS	REB	AST
Tyrese Haliburton	23	5	8
Buddy Hield	21	3	3
Bennedict Mathurin	17	5	2
Myles Turner	15	9	2
Jalen Smith	10	7	1

Boston Celtics

Player	PTS	REB	AST
Jayson Tatum	31	12	7
Jaylen Brown	25	6	5
Malcolm Brogdon	20	4	3
Al Horford	16	11	3
Marcus Smart	10	3	6

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