In a game that had it all—dramatic rallies, bench heroics, and postgame drama—the Boston Celtics pulled off their most improbable victory of the season on Monday night, rallying from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 103-95 at TD Garden. The win marked Boston’s third straight and highlighted the depth of a team climbing the Eastern Conference standings. But the real talking point emerged from a first-quarter incident that left Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson sidelined with a concussion, prompting head coach Rick Carlisle to demand the NBA take a closer look.
The Celtics trailed by as many as 20 early in the third quarter, with the Pacers dominating behind hot outside shooting (8-of-9 from three early) and physical play inside. Coach Joe Mazzulla made a bold move, benching his entire starting lineup—including stars Jaylen Brown and Derrick White—and unleashing a second unit that included rookies and reserves like Hugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza, Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman. That group ignited a 19-5 run, flipping the script with hustle plays, offensive rebounds, and defensive stops. By the end of the third, Boston had cut the deficit to eight, setting the stage for a dominant fourth quarter.
Brown exploded for 14 of his game-high 31 points in the final frame, including clutch threes and drives that silenced the Pacers’ momentum. Derrick White added 19 points and key buckets, while the bench’s energy was the difference—outscoring Indiana’s reserves and turning a potential blowout into a statement win. The Celtics outscored the Pacers 60-34 in the second half, showcasing resilience and depth on a night when starters struggled early.
Yet, the victory was quickly overshadowed by a contentious play in the first quarter. With about 4:30 left, Celtics center Neemias Queta battled Jackson for position in the post. As Queta spun toward the hoop and attempted a shot, his follow-through elbow connected with Jackson’s head—twice, according to Carlisle. The second blow appeared simultaneous and non-accidental, forcing Jackson to exit for concussion protocol. He didn’t return and has since entered the league’s concussion protocol, ruling him out for subsequent games.
Carlisle was adamant in his postgame comments: “I think it was 4:30 or 4:32 to go in the first quarter. There was a play where Isaiah Jackson gets elbowed by Queta and then simultaneously gets elbowed a second time… I hope the league looks at that. That was a play that I felt should have been looked at in real time. It did not appear to be accidental, and it’s very dangerous.” He emphasized the severity: “I don’t know how long he’s going to be out, but it’s pretty serious… The play that happened, it just can’t be missed.”
The incident raises questions about player safety in the physical post game, where elbows and contact are common but can cross into reckless territory. No foul was called in real time, and the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report or potential review could shed light. For now, it adds tension ahead of the rematch on Friday in Indianapolis.
This comeback win reinforces Boston’s growing identity as a deep, gritty team capable of overcoming adversity. But with Jackson’s health in jeopardy and Carlisle’s strong words echoing, the focus shifts to whether the league will address the play—and how it impacts the budding rivalry. Celtics fans celebrate the W, while Pacers supporters await justice. The NBA’s response could define the narrative moving forward. Stay tuned—Skol to the Celtics, and get well soon to Isaiah Jackson!