In a jaw-dropping turn of events at Bainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers delivered a knockout blow to the Boston Celtics in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament. The Pacers sealed the deal with a 122–112 victory, but it was Buddy Hield who stole the spotlight with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that left Celtics fans in stunned disbelief.
The Fallout: Crowd Eruption and Team Celebration
The drama unfolded as the clock wound down, and the Pacers, already securing their win, witnessed Buddy Hield sinking a seemingly unnecessary three-pointer. The shot, extending the lead from seven to ten points, served as the perfect exclamation point on Boston’s elimination. The crowd erupted, and Hield celebrated with his teammates, relishing the sweet taste of victory.
The Celtics had previously courted controversy during the tournament’s group stages by openly expressing their intention to run up the score. In a strategic move to impact point differentials for better knockout round placement, Boston faced criticism for tactical fouls and aggressive play during blowout victories. However, it was clear that the Pacers had the last laugh, courtesy of Buddy Hield’s audacious three-pointer.
After the game, reporters sought the perspective of Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, on Hield’s provocative shot. Mazzulla, seemingly unfazed by the pettiness, responded with nonchalance, stating, “I don’t care. I could care less,” echoing the sentiments of a team that had fallen victim to its own strategic maneuvering during the group stages.
This incident harks back to an earlier clash between Mazzulla and Bulls coach Billy Donovan during the tournament’s group stages. The Celtics faced scrutiny for tactically fouling Andre Drummond to expand their margin of victory, resulting in a heated exchange between Mazzulla and Donovan. The Celtics coach later issued an apology for the controversial move.
In a twist of fate, it was Buddy Hield and the Pacers who had the final say, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s narrative. Hield’s petty yet spectacular buzzer-beater not only secured the victory but added an extra layer of humiliation for the Celtics.
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