Celtics Complete Sweep of Pacers, Advance to NBA Finals
In a dramatic turnaround, the Boston Celtics secured a decisive 105-102 victory on the road against the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, completing a sweep of the series on Monday.
The Celtics rallied from a significant deficit, trailing 98-90 with just under six minutes remaining, before mounting a remarkable 15-4 run to clinch the win. Derrick White’s pivotal 3-pointer in the final minute broke a tense 102-102 tie, sealing the Pacers’ fate as they failed to score in the last 3:32 of the game.
Leading the charge for Boston were Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who scored 29 and 26 points, respectively, in the crucial victory. Derrick White contributed significantly with 16 points, four assists, four rebounds, five steals, and three blocks, showcasing an all-around performance.
Jaylen Brown received the Larry Bird Trophy as the MVP of the Eastern Conference finals, acknowledging his pivotal role in the Celtics’ success.
Meanwhile, the Pacers, missing Tyrese Haliburton due to a hamstring injury, were led by Andrew Nembhard, who posted 24 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists in a commendable effort.
With this sweep, the Celtics advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. Their previous appearance in the championship series was in 2022, where they fell short against the Golden State Warriors.
The Celtics now await the winner of the Dallas Mavericks-Minnesota Timberwolves series, with Dallas holding a commanding 3-0 lead.