Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown has his shot blocked Thursday evening. AP WIREPHOTO
Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder each scored 15 points for the Celtics, who have won four in a row. Marcus Smart had 12 points, and Amir Johnson and Kelly Olnyk finished with 11 apiece.
Boston outscored Indiana 29-9 in the second quarter, turning a nine-point deficit into a 51-40 halftime lead. The Pacers pulled within four late in the game, but were unable to catch the Celtics down the stretch.
Jeff Teague led Indiana with 31 points and eight assists. Paul George and CJ Miles scored 19 points apiece, and Thaddeus Young had 15 points and 12 rebounds for his second straight double-double.
Miles made a 3-pointer to trim Boston’s lead to 87-83 with 5:26 left, but Al Horford responded with a reverse layup for Boston. Thomas then made two foul shots and a layup to make it 93-83 with 4:10 to go.
Thomas and Crowder each made two free throws in the final 15 seconds to help the Celtics hold on for the win.
TIP-INS
Pacers: G Monta Ellis missed his seventh straight game with a groin injury. … Coupled with Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, the Pacers have dropped consecutive games on five occasions this season. … Indiana dropped to 2-5 against opponents from the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.
Celtics: Thomas has led Boston in scoring 22 times this season. … Bradley has scored 10 or more points in each of Boston’s 29 games this season.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Visit the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
Celtics: Host Oklahoma City on Friday.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
