Morning Sports activities Replace
Boston clobbered Indiana in November. The Pacers acquired a measure of payback by eliminating the Celtics from the NBA’s in-season match.
Aaron Nesmith’s response to beating his previous workforce: Former Celtics guard Aaron Nesmith performed an essential position within the Pacers’ Monday night time upset of Boston within the quarterfinals of the league’s in-season match.
Nesmith, 24, was drafted 14th general by the Celtics in 2020, however was traded in the summertime of 2022 as a part of the deal that despatched Malcolm Brogdon to Boston.
Dealing with his former workforce, the Indiana ahead savored the win. After getting blown out by the Celtics 155-104 in November, the Pacers had been clearly motivated to get a measure of payback.
“All of us actually regarded ahead to this recreation, particularly with how we carried out in Boston earlier this 12 months,” Nesmith mentioned in a postgame interview with Bally Sports activities. “This recreation meant extra to us, not just for the in-season match however for just a little revenge recreation.”
“That was a enjoyable recreation,” Nesmith mentioned of the competition. “Playoff ambiance.”
In November, Nesmith mirrored on his time with the Celtics. He credited having the ability to be taught from veteran gamers whereas with Boston.
Describing how the Pacers approached taking part in the Celtics, he paid credit score to the workforce’s expertise degree.
“Simply be bodily with them,” he mentioned of Indiana’s defensive premise. “They’re phenomenal gamers, All-NBA gamers. Simply make them take robust twos. I believe [Bruce Brown and I] did a great job of that tonight. They’re going to attain. They’re going to get theirs. So simply don’t overreact. Don’t foul.”
He credited teammate Tyrese Halliburton, particularly his four-point play, because the distinction.
“When he hit that four-point play, that’s what allowed us to separate and actually take management of the sport late within the fourth quarter,” Nesmith defined. “My dunk was simply an exclamation level, however I believe that shot was the turning level.”
Trivia: Aaron Nesmith was one among three first-round picks the Celtics made in 2020. Are you able to identify the opposite two gamers Boston picked in the identical spherical that 12 months?
(Reply on the backside).
Trace: Just one remains to be with the Celtics. The opposite is with the Grizzlies.
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics misplaced to the Pacers 122-112 within the quarterfinals of the NBA’s in-season match on Monday night time. In consequence, Boston was eradicated from the competitors.
The Bruins will likely be again on Thursday, internet hosting the Sabres at TD Backyard at 7 p.m.
The Patriots face a fast turnaround after shedding to the Chargers on Sunday. New England will face the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Thursday at 8:15 p.m.
Extra from Boston.com:
The newest on Shohei Ohtani: The Blue Jays are reportedly a “severe participant” to land MLB’s highest profile free agent.
Matthew Slater on the Patriots recreation getting flexed: The longtime Patriots particular groups ace admitted he was dissatisfied that the upcoming recreation in opposition to the Chiefs was moved by the NFL from Monday night time to a Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Ski season is off to a powerful begin: Whereas snow is just not typically a welcome sight for Bostonians, skiers and snowboarders will likely be comfortable to listen to that northern New England — or at the very least elements of it — have already got midwinter circumstances. Right here’s an attention-grabbing view of how a small change in altitude can have a serious impact on the rain-snow line.
On this present day: In 1990, the Celtics topped the Nuggets 148-140 in a fantastically high-scoring recreation. Dealing with Paul Westhead’s up-tempo system, Boston relied on Larry Hen to maintain tempo. Hen’s 43 factors, 13 assists, and eight rebounds guided the Celtics to the win.
Every day spotlight: Luke Kornet offered a high quality spotlight in what was finally a disappointing night time for the Celtics.
Trivia reply: Payton Pritchard, Desmond Bane
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