Joe Mazzulla Says Buddy Hield Admitted to Fouling Jaylen Brown in Celtics' Controversial Loss

A baffling ruling upon review cost Jaylen Brown a trip to the line with the Celtics and Pacers tied with 3.2 seconds left in the game.

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, the Boston Celtics took a 133-131 loss from the Indiana Pacers. The final moments of regulation sparked controversy.

With 3.2 seconds left in a tied match, Buddy Field was whistled for a foul during Jaylen Brown’s mid-range field-goal attempt. The Pacers challenged the call, which was then overturned.

After calling a foul on the floor, the Pacers challenge and the call is overturned. Pacers ball. pic.twitter.com/p5pbX0pp0U

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 9, 2024

As captured by Noa Dalzell of Celtics Blog, Joe Mazzulla stated that Hield admitted to fouling Brown.

“We’ll see what happens tomorrow at 4 p.m. I can’t wait until 4 o’clock. Buddy Hield told me he fouled him, so I can’t wait for the Last Two Minute Report.”

As a result of Hield’s foul being overturned, possession transferred to Indiana. At the 0.6 second mark, Kristaps Porzingis fouled Benedict Mathurin during a three-point shot.

Chaos pic.twitter.com/H7BIyBMSPi

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 9, 2024

Mathurin made two out of three free throw attempts, which gave the Pacers a two-point lead. The Celtics' final scoring opportunity was an unsuccessful under-the-basket tip from Luke Kornet.

Boston's next game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 10, against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. EST. 

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