Watch: The Pacers' bench is keeping them in Game 4

T.J. McConnell scored eight points in the opening quarter, including a buzzer-beating layup that brought Indiana within two points. The Boston Celtics led after one quarter, 29-27.

The bench scored 16 of the Pacers’ 27 points, outscoring the Celtics' bench, 16-5. Much of that was McConnell’s aggressiveness in driving on Boston relentlessly, making four of his five two-pointers and getting into the paint at will.

Indiana also got unexpected contributions from Doug McDermott, who moved into coach Rick Carlisle’s rotation early on Monday after logging a +13 in his three Game 3 minutes. 

Indiana expects McDermott to make three-pointers, but blocking shots is an unexpected bonus.

The reserves need to keep it up for Indiana to stave off elimination, down 3-0 in the series. But they’ve given the starters a chance against the powerhouse Celtics so far.