The NBA has backed Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla in his claim that Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam set an illegal screen before his game-winning shot against Boston. In its Last Two Minutes Report, the league confirmed that Siakam was late to establish a screening position, causing Celtics' guard Derrick White to lose balance. Mazzulla had repeatedly cited the 'illegal screen' in post-game interviews, emphasizing the officiating error.

This ruling comes amid ongoing tension between the Celtics and referees. Recently, Celtics star Jaylen Brown criticized the officiating after a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, resulting in a $35,000 fine. This incident adds to the growing list of controversies involving officiating decisions in the NBA, highlighting the importance of accurate calls in close games.

The NBA's decision to side with Mazzulla underscores the ongoing debate about referee consistency and the impact of missed calls on game outcomes. As the season progresses, teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the league takes further steps to improve officiating, especially in high-stakes moments.