Free throws, defense, and Jaylen Brown’s steadiness power a comfortable home win
Wednesday night at TD Garden looked a lot like the version of the Celtics that feels inevitable when they’re locked in. Boston handled the Pacers 119-104, pushing the game firmly in its favor early and never letting Indiana seriously threaten late. The win moved the Celtics to 27-16, while the Pacers fell to 10-35 in what has been a long, developmental season.
The margin could have been wider - Boston led by as much as 24 - but the Celtics didn’t need perfection. They needed control. They got it through physicality, free throws (Boston made 27 of 28 attempts), and another authoritative night from Jaylen Brown, who finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Indiana:
1. Brown dictated the game on his terms:
This was one of those Brown performances that doesn’t rely on streaky shooting or highlight plays - just steady pressure.
He got downhill early, lived in the paint, and consistently forced Indiana to react.
That approach helped Boston go 16 for 16 from the free throw line in the first half and build a lead that never fully cracked.
Brown didn’t dominate every possession, he set the tone.
The Celtics followed.
Jan 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) gets off a shot past an Indiana Pacers guard during the first quarter at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson/Imagn Images)2. Celtics won the math battle sans shooting luck:
Indiana made an 11-0 third-quarter run, but the numbers stayed in Boston’s favor.
The Pacers shot just 39.8% from the field and 27.3% from three - struggles that weren’t by chance.
Neemias Queta anchored the paint with five blocks and altered many shots. Boston didn’t overextend, but trusted its size and discipline. Against the Pacers, who struggle to score efficiently, that was enough.
3. Sam Hauser has quietly stabilized the starting group:
Hauser’s early-season shooting slump feels distant.
He made 5 of 7 threes for 17 points, including two early that stretched Indiana’s defense.
More importantly, Hauser’s role feels settled.
After rotation changes earlier, he’s now a reliable fifth starter - clean, decisive, and dangerous when ignored.
That clarity matters as the Celtics go deeper into the season.
4. Even on off nights, Payton Pritchard still tilts the floor:
Pritchard’s shot wasn’t there, as he went 4 for 12 from the field and 1 for 5 from deep for 10 points. Yet, he contributed 8 assists, 5 rebounds, just 2 turnovers, and posted a game-high plus-26.
That’s his value.
He organizes the offense, protects possessions, and impacts winning even when the jumper isn’t falling. The Celtics’ ball security remains a strength, with Pritchard at the core.
Wednesday night’s win for the Celtics closed a chapter. Boston and Indiana played four times in a month, ending this strange scheduling quirk. The Celtics finished 3-1 in the series, and this win reminded everyone of the gap between a contender in control and a team still developing.
Jan 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives on Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the first quarter at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.