Boston Celtics: Takeaways from Loss to Indiana Pacers
By Andrew Fine
Turned it Over
Nov 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins forward Jae Crowder (99) drives into Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) during the third quarter at TD Garden. The Indiana Pacers won 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics had 18 turnovers in the game and seven of which came in the fourth quarter. It was difficult for the Celtics to make a comeback when they kept on turning the ball over. Boston’s starters turned the ball over a combined 14 times with Jared Sullinger and Jae Crowder leading the team with four turnovers each.
Brian Robb of CelticsHub.com summed up Boston’s turnover-centric fourth quarter nicely.
Celtics in the last 7 minutes of this game: 2-for-9 from the field with 7 turnovers. Pacers win 102-91.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) November 12, 2015
The Celtics did themselves no favors and ultimately paid the price. The Pacers outscored the Celtics 12-4 in the final seven minutes of play. If the Celtics cut down their turnovers during that stretch, then they would have been in a much better position to try and come from behind.
The team needs to do a better job handling the ball if they want to remain competitive. Too often players made bad passes that were too low or just flat out lost the ball.
Next: Takeaway Number Two