Third was the word

By Monique Walker
Globe Staff

The Celtics used the third quarter to keep their distance against the Pacers. After the Celtics led 57-51 at the half, they outscored the Pacers 31-22 in the third quarter. A 13-2 run in the middle of the period gave the Celtics a 83-59 lead. The 24-point margin was the biggest lead of the night for the Celtics.

Boston shot 55.6 percent from the field (10 of 18) during the period and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Pacers shot 41.7 percent from the floor (10 of 24) and stumped from 3-point range on all five attempts.

"... I mean, the third quarter was absolutely fantastic defense," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "And obviously you're looking at the 31 points, but it was the defense that got us going."