The Boston Celtics secured their spot in the NBA Finals by defeating the Indiana Pacers with a score of 105-102, sweeping the Eastern Conference championship series 4-0. This victory in Indianapolis marked the Celtics’ seventh consecutive win in the postseason, despite a tough challenge from the Pacers, who were again playing without their star guard Tyrese Haliburton due to injury.
JJ Reddick," I just want to say this, for all this talk all season long about the Boston Celtics and their late game offense and their late game decisions making." pic.twitter.com/VflWcJT9Y2
— Maine☘️Boston Celtics☘️ (@Big_Maine100) May 28, 2024
Jaylen Brown played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ win. With the game tied at 102-102 and just 2:40 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Brown executed a critical step-through. He then made a crucial block against Andrew Nembhard at the rim. In the final 45 seconds, Brown passed to Derrick White, who hit a three-pointer from the corner, sealing the victory for Boston and the series.
Nembhard led the Pacers with 24 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, and nearly tied the game with 33 seconds remaining but missed a three-pointer. For the Celtics, Brown topped the scoring with 29 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
#CelticsWin pic.twitter.com/7fLtLUUUyd
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 28, 2024
The Celtics are returning to the finals for the first time since their defeat by the Golden State Warriors two years ago, aiming to capture their first NBA championship since 2008. Brown, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighted the relentless effort of the team throughout the season. “It’s been nothing but a grind, we haven’t skipped no steps all season,” Brown remarked. He praised the team’s unity and the strong leadership from the coaching staff and front office.
Boston’s postseason run was impressive, with a 12-2 record, overcoming the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Pacers to reach their 23rd NBA Finals in franchise history. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla commended his team’s talent and receptiveness to coaching, emphasizing the trust and dedication that defines their approach.
“How about them damn Celtics!?”#nbaplayoffs #bostonceltics #jaylenbrown #cedricmaxwell #nba #viralvideos #viral #celtics #pacers #courtside pic.twitter.com/StgOQsviSB
— Cedric Maxwell (@cedricmaxwell81) May 28, 2024
The Pacers, on the other hand, faced difficulties without Haliburton, especially in the closing stages of the game. They had been ahead by nine points with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter but couldn’t maintain their lead. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout what he described as a “magical season.” He acknowledged the players’ determination and resilience and noted that the experience had set higher expectations for the next season.
With their victory, the Celtics are set to face the winner of the Western Conference Finals, where the Dallas Mavericks currently lead the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-0. The next game could potentially decide their opponents in the upcoming NBA Finals.
Major Points
- The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-102, sweeping the Eastern Conference championship series 4-0.
- Jaylen Brown was pivotal in the win, scoring 29 points, including a critical three-pointer and a key block in the final minutes.
- The Pacers, missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton due to injury, fought hard but couldn’t maintain their lead in the final quarter.
- Boston’s Jaylen Brown was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, highlighting the team’s dedication and effort throughout the season.
- The Celtics now advance to the NBA Finals, where they will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
