Celtics clinch playoff spot with 114-111 win over Pacers
Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 202, in Indianapolis. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Marcus Smart’s leaning bank shot in the final minute gave the Celtics’ the lead after the team blew a 19-point advantage and Boston then held on for a 114-111 victory Tuesday night over the Indiana Pacers.
The Celtics clinched a playoff spot for a sixth consecutive year.
Jayson Tatum scored 30 points for Boston while Gordon Hayward added 27 points, 10 boards and five assists in his home state.
Victor Oladipo finished with a season-high 27 points to power a stunning comeback for the Pacers, who fell into an 85-66 hole late in the third quarter.