Reviewing last 5 Pacers vs. Celtics matchups ahead of next game

Matchup 4: Myles Turner makes history in thriller OT loss

Following that rousing win, Indiana and Boston would have to wait an additional two months, February 23, 2023, to be exact, before seeing each other again.

This game was arguably the most exciting of the past few years, as the two teams were finally at full health and had a game for the ages, to say the least. Neither team could pull away in regulation, so overtime was needed, where Jayson Tatum’s late-game heroics allowed the Celtics to come away with a close 142-138 win in OT.

However, despite the Celtics win, one name stood out over all the rest, even the ones on the winning team, and that name was Myles Turner.

For some backstory, Myles Turner has had quite a history with the Celtics. Ever since 2018, Turner’s name has been brought up in trade talks, and the Celtics have by far been the most active team in said trade talks.

In fact, Turner became dangerously close to being traded to Boston in the 2020 offseason, only avoid a trade because Gordon Hayward, Indiana’s presumed return player, signed with the Charlotte Hornets instead.

Ever since this almost-trade, there has been a small hint of beef between Turner and various Celtics fans and reporters, which Myles himself has sometimes taken the time to respond to.

Turner’s performance against Boston on this night did not leave much to be criticized, however, as he matched his career-high with 40 points on the night, shooting 13/15 from the field and 8/10 from behind the line, becoming the first center in NBA history to ever do so.

Yes, you heard that right. Myles Turner, a center whom most have criticized in recent years for not being as aggressive on offense as he should be, put up 40 points on the Celtics’ defense with other-worldly efficiency.

In fact, this night for Myles made history in more ways than one, as he also recorded the most efficient 40-point game in NBA history, getting his points on 110.6% true shooting

This might have been the perfect late-season game for a lottery-bound Pacers team, as they played hard against a contender, lost a close one, thus helping their lottery standings, but also had a historic performance by one of their most important players. This game will definitely go down as one of the most memorable ones in recent Pacers history, despite the loss.