Pacers 98, Celtics 96

 

So, my magic Celtics formula (3-point %  + > Rebounds + González Minutes = Success) only works when Jaylen Brown is in the lineup. The formula is for the Celtics team, and without Brown, the Celtics aren't the Celtics.

Last night, a Brown-less Celtics team lost to the lowly Indiana Pacers. You can argue that the formula still applied, because the Boston scored only 9 threes compared to Indiana's 16. No > Rebounds, no Success. But the truth is, the three-point total was low because Mr. Brown wasn't in the lineup and the Celtics weren't themselves. Mr. White tied the game with a layup at 00:29 left in the game, but on the next play, Pascal Siakam came from behind and set a screen on White and knocked him to the ground, then spun around and finished with a layup to take back the lead. White missed a final three-point attempt (he was 2-9 all game) and the Pacers won.  

Mazzulla thought Pascal's screen was illegal and was irate at the refs for not calling a foul. It was all he would talk about after the game. But again, I don't like blaming losses on bad officiating. We just have to play well enough to overcome the refs.

The Celtics road trip takes them south next, way south to Miami, Florida for a Thursday night game against the Heat (20-19).