Imagine a team struggling at the bottom of the NBA standings suddenly finding their rhythm and securing their first three-game winning streak of the season. That’s exactly what happened when Pascal Siakam delivered a clutch performance, leading the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling 98-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on January 12, 2026. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this win wasn’t just about Siakam’s heroics—it was a collective effort that saw the Pacers outplay the Celtics at their own game. And this is the part most people miss: the Pacers, historically not known for their three-point prowess, outshot the league’s most three-point-dependent team from beyond the arc. Let’s dive into the details.
Pascal Siakam was the undeniable star of the night, scoring 21 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists. With just 6.1 seconds left on the clock, he banked in a go-ahead jumper in the lane, sealing the deal for the Pacers. This victory marked the team’s first three-game winning streak of the 2025-26 season, lifting them slightly out of the NBA’s basement to a 9-31 record. Meanwhile, the Celtics, playing without All-Star Jaylen Brown, dropped to 24-15 but remained in third place in the Eastern Conference.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Siakam’s performance was pivotal, it was the unexpected contributions from other players that truly turned the tide. Center Jay Huff matched his season-high with 20 points, including four three-pointers, proving he’s more than just a rim presence. Point guard Andrew Nembhard added 13 points and nine assists, while forward Jarace Walker chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds. For the Celtics, guard Payton Pritchard led the way with 23 points and eight assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pacers’ balanced attack.
Pascal Siakam in the Clutch: Siakam has been the Pacers’ go-to player all season, and he delivered when it mattered most. With 6:20 remaining, he hit a turnaround jumper to extend the Pacers’ lead to four. Later, he tipped in a missed three-pointer by Ben Sheppard to give the Pacers a five-point cushion. But his most memorable moment came with time ticking away—he created space off the dribble and banked in the game-winner. Siakam’s efficiency was impressive, shooting 10 of 15 from the field and adding two steals and a key block. His +11 plus-minus figure underscored his impact on the game.
Jay Huff’s Breakout Night: Huff’s performance was a rollercoaster. After a quiet eight-point outing against the Heat, he exploded for 20 points, matching his season high. He started strong with two early buckets in the first quarter, then found his three-point range in the second, scoring 10 points on 4 of 5 shooting, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. Though he didn’t score again after the second quarter, his 8 of 12 shooting and 4 of 7 from three-point range were crucial in the Pacers’ 34-point second period.
Pacers Beat Celtics at Their Own Game: Here’s the real shocker: the Pacers outshot the Celtics from three-point range. The Celtics, who lead the league in three-pointers made (15.9 per game) and attempts (42.8 per game), were held to just 9 of 35 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Pacers, after a slow 1-of-6 start, caught fire, making 7 of 9 three-pointers in the second quarter and 6 of 14 in the third. They finished 16 of 37 from deep, flipping the script on Boston’s signature strategy.
This win wasn’t just about the final score—it was a statement. The Pacers proved they could compete with one of the East’s top teams, even without relying on their usual strengths. But here’s the question: Can they sustain this momentum, or was this just a one-off performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more in-depth coverage, follow Dustin Dopirak’s Pacers reporting on IndyStarTV and subscribe to the Pacers Insider newsletter.
