Final: Celtics 135, Pacers 108 -- Four straight double-digit wins

The Celtics had a couple things going their way against a Pacers team that has been the second-best defense in the NBA all season before the tip. Indiana was coming off a back-to-back in Cleveland and were missing starting center Myles Turner (sore shoulder) but Boston still managed to play some of the prettiest basketball they have all season against an elite opponent. They scored 103 points through three quarters in the 135-108 blowout victory that included seven different Celtics scoring in double figures for the second straight game. Marcus Morris led the way with 22 points while Jaylen Brown pitched in with 22 points off the bench, as the hosts pulled away with a massive 39-point second quarter outburst to cruise to the 27-point win..

GAME: No. 40 of 82
WHO: Celtics (24-15) vs. Nets (20-21)
WHEN:  7:00 EST
WHERE:  TD Garden
RADIO: 105.7 WROR
TV: NBC Sports Boston

First Half Notes

• C’s come flying out of the gate on the offensive end to try to take advantage of a tired Pacers team on second half of a back-to-back.


• Jayson Tatum was the ringleader on this front, scoring nine of Boston’s first 11 points, primarily while being matched up with the Pacers’ best defender in Victor Oladipo.


• More crisp ball movement early on as well with Al Horford directing the point of attack (three assists).


• C’s jump out to 18-8 lead but a Pacers 9-0 run get them back into it as C’s go cold for a little bit with open jumpers.


• C’s doubling Oladipo in the pick-and-roll early and have done a nice job keeping them from finding open shooters on rotations


• C’s offense really tried up towards the end of the first quarter with the bench going 1-of-6 from the field. Just 25 percent shooting from downtown as well (2-of-8).


• Gordon Hayward struggling against Indy’s defense early as they force a couple turnovers against his drives.


• Jaylen Brown showing some nice aggressiveness going to the rim early, drawing three shooting fouls in his opening eight minute stint. He scored 13 points in 12 minutes in first half.


• Continuing to see some good unselfishness from the C’s on fast breaks.


• Tyreke Evans getting into a nice rhythm against Jaylen Brown offensively, scoring nine points in eight minutes.


• C’s offense really gets back into rhythm once the starters return to the game. Al Horford (seven assists) has been masterful in finding the open man out of the post and the elbow.


• C’s close half on a 33-18 run.    

• The Celtics will be at full strength for the second consecutive game outside of Aron Baynes (broken hand). The center has been cleared for non-contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated by a doctor late next week.


• Boston has won five straight home games overall with their last loss coming against the Bucks in late December. They have lost three straight contests to the Pacers though dating back to last season, including a buzzer beating 3 by Victor Oladipo in Indiana for a win back in November.


• Indiana has been the hottest team in the NBA over the past month, going 14-3 since Dec. 4, including a road win against the Cavs last night in Cleveland. Myles Turner (sore shoulder) missed that contest and remains questionable for this one. Otherwise, Domantas Sabonis will start in his place at center.


• The Pacers have the second best defense in the NBA, largely based on their ability to force turnovers (No. 3) and not foul (No. 3). With Boston's lack of focus on getting to the free throw line, it will be interesting to see how the two styles contrast as the league's best offense of late goes head-to-head against a tough defense.