BOSTON — After losing back-to-back games, the Boston Celtics defeat the Indiana Pacers last night, at home, 128-123. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both finished with over 30 points after missing their last game. 

C’s now figuring out how to win without starting center Robert Williams after suffering a torn meniscus (out 4-6 weeks). And right off a fresh loss to a eastern rival in the Miami Heat, the C’s had to bounce back. 

Luckily, Al Horford was back in the lineup and finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was a joint effort defensively, but the Pacers still dropped 123 points. 

“Credit to them for making it tough on you,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “They’re playing loose and free with nothing to lose right now. You can tell. At the same time, we’re aiding them.”

The game was close for the entire time, at halftime, the C’s only led by seven points at 68-61. And for the eighth time this season Brown and Tatum both dropped 30 points. Both drove to the basket with ease throughout the entire game. Most of their points coming from inside the paint. 

The bench also chipped in despite Udoka only playing eight players. Celtics bench scored 26 points collectively. 

For Indiana—Tyrese Haliburton went perfect from deep with six threes. He finished with 30 points. Buddy Hield had a rough shooting night with only six points. 

The Pacers never took the lead during the game, however, they also never let the lead go past 10 points. Celtics didn’t shoot great from deep at just 35% from behind the arc. Simply put, the C’s committed less fouls and scored more points in the paint. 

With only four games left in the season, Celtics sit at the third spot in the east. They’ll face the Washington Wizards at home tomorrow afternoon.