Payton Pritchard Weighs In on Controversial Ending in Celtics Loss

The Boston Celtics, without All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, lost a close-fought battle against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, 98-96. Just like their previous loss, there has been some debate about the game officials’ decision-making, only this time the questions center on Pascal Siakam’s screen for one of the Pacers’ final possessions.

For most people watching, Siakam’s screen was illegal, in that he leaned into his man to create contact. The referees allowed the play to continue, which led to Siakam scoring the game-winning bucket via a bank shot.

When speaking to the media after the game, Payton Pritchard shared his thoughts on that final possession.

“He made the shot. Maybe certain calls could have been made, but he made a bank shot, tough shot. You’ve got to live with that good defense,” Pritchard said.

Boston’s loss comes hot on the heels of its defeat by the San Antonio Spurs. Both games have ended in controversy. However, the more concerning point is that Boston failed to register 100 points in either of those outings. The team’s offense appears to be going through a stagnant phase.

Despite the loss, the Celtics still sit third in the Eastern Conference. They hold a one-game advantage over the Toronto Raptors. With a game against the Miami Heat scheduled for Thursday, Mazzulla’s team will need to rediscover its scoring touch.

Otherwise, a loss could see Boston slide down the conference standings, and its record inch closer back to .500.