The NBA's Last Two Minute Report validated Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla's complaints about an uncalled illegal screen that aided the Indiana Pacers' 98-96 victory. Pascal Siakam set the screen on Derrick White before scoring the game-winning shot with 6.8 seconds left. The win drops the Celtics to third in the Eastern Conference amid ongoing officiating frustrations.
The Indiana Pacers edged out the Boston Celtics 98-96 on Monday night in a game decided by a controversial play in the final seconds. With the score tied at 96, Pacers forward Pascal Siakam appeared to commit an illegal screen on Celtics guard Derrick White as point guard Andrew Nembhard handled the ball. Siakam extended his right leg and shifted into White, causing the defender to stumble and opening a path to the basket. Officials missed the call, allowing Siakam to receive a pass and bank in the go-ahead shot with 6.8 seconds remaining. Boston could not respond, securing the Pacers' victory.
In the postgame press conference, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla repeatedly answered questions with just two words: "Illegal screen." When asked about the last possessions, he replied, "Illegal screen." Every follow-up over the next 43 seconds drew the same response from the fourth-year coach, highlighting his frustration.
The NBA's Last Two Minute Report, released Tuesday, confirmed Mazzulla's assessment. It ruled the no-call incorrect, stating: "Siakam is late to establish screening position in White's path and does not give him the time or distance to change direction and avoid the contact during the pick." Had the foul been whistled, the Pacers would have turned the ball over with about 15 seconds left and the game tied. The report found all other late-game calls correct, and the Pacers' win stands.
This loss marked Boston's second straight defeat by a narrow margin, totaling eight points combined. The previous game saw a 100-95 setback to the San Antonio Spurs, where forward Jaylen Brown criticized the officiating—earning a $35,000 fine for comments on the foul disparity (Celtics: 4 free throws; Spurs: 20). The Celtics now sit third in the East, one game behind the New York Knicks.
The game featured unusually low fouling, with both teams called for just seven personal fouls—the fewest in franchise history. Notably, the third quarter had zero fouls, a first for the NBA this season and since play-by-play tracking began in 1996-97.
Boston entered the season with tempered expectations after Jayson Tatum's torn Achilles and key offseason departures, yet their drop from second place underscores the tight Eastern Conference race.
