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 became the hero of the night, leading the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling 98-96 victory over the Boston Celtics. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this wasn’t just any win—it was a statement game that showcased the Pacers’ resilience and potential. Let’s dive into the details and uncover what made this moment so special.
On January 12, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Pascal Siakam delivered a performance that will be remembered by Pacers fans for a long time. With 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and a game-winning jumper with just 6.1 seconds left on the clock, Siakam proved why he’s been the team’s go-to player all season. This win not only snapped the Pacers out of their season-long slump but also marked their first three-game winning streak of the 2025-26 campaign. And this is the part most people miss: the Pacers’ victory came against a Celtics team that, despite missing All-Star Jaylen Brown, still sits comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can this be the turning point for the Pacers, or is it just a fleeting moment of success in an otherwise challenging season? Let’s explore further.
The Pacers’ improvement to a 9-31 record might seem modest, but it’s enough to lift them out of the NBA basement—at least for now. Meanwhile, the Celtics dropped to 24-15, yet they remain a force to be reckoned with. Beyond Siakam’s heroics, other Pacers players stepped up in a big way. Center Jay Huff matched his season-high with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, while point guard Andrew Nembhard contributed 13 points and nine assists. Forward Jarace Walker added 11 points and seven rebounds, rounding out a balanced team effort.
For the Celtics, guard Payton Pritchard led the charge with 23 points and eight assists, while Derrick White chipped in with 18 points. However, it was the Pacers’ ability to outshoot the Celtics from beyond the arc that truly stood out. Here’s the bold truth: The Celtics, historically reliant on their 3-point shooting, were outgunned by the Pacers, who made 16 of 37 3-pointers compared to Boston’s 9 of 35. This raises a thought-provoking question: Could the Pacers’ newfound confidence in their 3-point game be a game-changer for their season?
Let’s break it down further with three key observations:
Pascal Siakam’s Clutch Performance: Siakam has been the Pacers’ anchor all season, but his performance on Monday night was next-level. From a turnaround jumper to extend the lead to a tipped-in basket and the game-winning shot, Siakam did it all. His 10-of-15 shooting from the field, coupled with two steals and a key block, cemented his status as the game’s MVP. His +11 plus-minus figure speaks volumes about his impact on the court.
Jay Huff’s Scoring Explosion: After a quiet game against the Heat, Huff rediscovered his scoring touch against the Celtics. His 20-point performance, including 10 points in the second quarter, was a testament to his versatility. Huff’s ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc kept the Celtics defense guessing all night.
Pacers Beat Celtics at Their Own Game: The Celtics have long been known for their 3-point prowess, but the Pacers flipped the script on Monday. After a slow start, they caught fire from deep, making 7 of 9 3-pointers in the second quarter alone. This unexpected dominance from beyond the arc was a key factor in their victory.
As the Pacers celebrate this hard-fought win, the question remains: Can they build on this momentum and climb further up the standings? Or will this be just a fleeting moment in a season of struggles? What do you think? Is this the start of something bigger for the Pacers, or is it too early to tell? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going. For more in-depth coverage, be sure to follow Dustin Dopirak’s Pacers analysis on IndyStarTV and subscribe to the Pacers Insider newsletter.
