Paul Pierce
On Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics saw their perfect season streak snapped in a heart-stopping overtime game against the Indiana Pacers, where a last-second jumper from Pascal Siakam sealed the Pacers’ win. Despite a heroic effort to come back from a 21-point deficit, the Celtics fell short as Finals MVP Jaylen Brown struggled offensively, and Jayson Tatum’s late three-pointer only managed to force the extra frame.
Last season, the Pacers emerged as a surprise challenge for Boston, even though the Celtics swept Indiana 4-0 in their playoff series. Indiana managed to push Boston in several games, especially after All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. Now, Celtics legend Paul Pierce has voiced what some fans may be feeling: the Pacers could be Boston’s biggest threat in the East. “The Celtics [are] the upper echelon… but please don’t sleep on the Pacers,” Pierce said in a recent interview with *All The Smoke*. “In the East, I think the Pacers are the second-best team. I think they [are] tough to keep up with… and they got depth.”
A Deep and Resilient Roster in Indiana
Indiana’s strength is indeed their depth, a factor that has allowed them to consistently battle toe-to-toe with Boston—even without a full roster. Their ability to push the Celtics late into games demonstrates the well-rounded nature of their lineup and how they can grind out games against top competition. This isn’t the first time Indiana has found ways to play Boston down to the wire, and that consistency is catching the attention of analysts, players, and fans alike.
Are the Knicks or Pacers Boston’s Biggest Threat?
Most preseason predictions saw the New York Knicks as Boston’s top competition in the East. The Knicks made major moves in the offseason by adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to their lineup. But Boston opened the season with a dominant statement against New York, winning in spectacular fashion and tying the NBA’s record with 29 three-pointers in a single game.
New York may still prove to be a formidable challenge as Towns and Bridges adjust to their new roles, but the Pacers have been consistent trouble for Boston. Unlike the Knicks, Indiana has played Boston closely game after game, and the team chemistry and gritty resilience make them a persistent thorn in the Celtics’ side. With the Pacers’ depth and relentless pace, Boston will have to stay sharp and consistent to keep the upper hand in their next matchup.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics will aim to shake off this loss and regroup on Friday night as they head to Charlotte to face the Hornets. This early loss serves as a reminder that, while Boston’s roster may be loaded, there are no easy nights in the East—especially when teams like Indiana are around to keep them on their toes.
