Celtics-Pacers L2M report backs Mazzulla's 'illegal screen' gripe
Joe Mazzulla had a point.
The NBA's last-two-minute report for the Indiana Pacers' 98-96 win over the Celtics on Monday appears to have vindicated Boston's head coach. The league's officiating review, released Tuesday, revealed that referees should've called Pascal Siakam for an offensive foul just before his game-winning bucket, a point a frustrated Mazzulla referenced multiple times postgame.
NBA's Last Two Minute Report agrees with Joe Mazzulla — Siakam set an illegal screen before his game-winner.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) January 13, 2026
"Siakam is late to establish a 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." https://t.co/KVdR3SyNKP
With 15 seconds remaining and the score 96-96, Siakam set a screen for Andrew Nembhard, using the play to shake off Celtics wing Jordan Walsh and switch onto the smaller Derrick White. However, Siakam caught White's leg when he set the pick, temporarily staggering the Celtics guard. He then spun past White before lofting a floater over a rushing Neemias Queta to put Indiana up two with 6.1 seconds left.
PASCAL SIAKAM WITH THE CLUTCH BUCKET TO PUT THE PACERS UP TWO! pic.twitter.com/QgoAOEOvzk
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2026
Mazzulla kept his media availability brief afterward, answering every question with the same two words before promptly ending the session.
"Illegal screen," Mazzulla said six times.
Joe Mazzulla answered every single question with “illegal screen” 😭pic.twitter.com/Qx6Sioyre6
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 13, 2026
Monday marked the second game in a row in which a member of the Celtics took issue with the officiating. Following their 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, Jaylen Brown said the NBA "can fine me whatever they want" after calling out referees by name and deeming them "terrible." He received a $35,000 fine Monday.