With 7:33 still on the clock in the fourth quarter, Celtics fans erupted in applause.
Neemias Queta, who played 14 minutes in Tuesday night’s game against the Pacers, was assuming his spot back on the bench.
The two-way player from Portugal was key to Boston’s 129-124 victory over the Pacers. After leading by 20 at the half, the Celtics lost their momentum in the third quarter. On-ball defense looked less aggressive, and rebounds bounced overhead while players looked onward. The energy that had once ignited the Celtics squad in the first half was extinguished. In less than five minutes, the Pacers closed the gap, and for the first time all night, the Celtics trailed.