Imagine a team struggling at the bottom of the NBA standings suddenly finding their rhythm and pulling off a stunning upset. That’s exactly what happened when Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to their first three-game winning streak of the 2025-26 season, capping it off with a thrilling 98-96 victory over the Boston Celtics. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a fluke, or is Siakam the missing piece the Pacers desperately needed? Let’s dive in.
On January 12, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Pascal Siakam delivered a clutch performance that Pacers fans won’t soon forget. With 6.1 seconds left on the clock, Siakam banked in a go-ahead jumper in the lane, sealing the deal for Indiana. He finished the night with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, proving once again why he’s been the team’s go-to player all season. And this is the part most people miss: Siakam’s ability to step up in high-pressure moments isn’t just about scoring—it’s about his all-around impact, including two steals, a key block, and a +11 plus-minus rating.
The Pacers’ win wasn’t just about Siakam, though. Center Jay Huff matched his season-high with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, while point guard Andrew Nembhard chipped in 13 points and nine assists. Forward Jarace Walker added 11 points and seven rebounds, showcasing a balanced effort from the team. Meanwhile, the Celtics, missing All-Star Jaylen Brown, relied heavily on Payton Pritchard (23 points, eight assists) and Derrick White (18 points), but it wasn’t enough.
Here’s the bold take: The Pacers didn’t just beat the Celtics—they outplayed them at their own game. Boston, known for their league-leading 3-point shooting, entered the game averaging 15.9 made threes per game. But on this night, Indiana outshot them from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 37 attempts compared to Boston’s 9 of 35. After a slow 1-of-6 start in the first quarter, the Pacers caught fire in the second and third quarters, proving they could go toe-to-toe with one of the East’s best teams.
For the Pacers, this win was more than just a morale boost. It lifted them out of the NBA cellar, improving their record to 9-31, while the Celtics dropped to 24-15 despite remaining in third place in the Eastern Conference. But here’s the question: Can the Pacers sustain this momentum, or will they revert to their earlier struggles? And is Pascal Siakam the long-term solution, or just a temporary spark?
Jay Huff’s performance deserves special mention. After a quiet eight-point outing against the Heat, he bounced back with a dominant display, scoring 10 of his 20 points in the second quarter, including two 3-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently was a game-changer, and it’s clear he’s becoming a reliable threat for Indiana.
Controversial thought: Could the Pacers’ reliance on 3-point shooting be a double-edged sword? While it worked against the Celtics, is this a sustainable strategy for a team still finding its identity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As the Pacers celebrate this rare winning streak, one thing is certain: Pascal Siakam and company have given fans a reason to believe. But the real test lies ahead. Can they keep this up, or will this be just a fleeting moment in a challenging season? Only time will tell. For now, Pacers fans can savor this victory and dream of what might be.
