Celtics Sweep Pacers in Eastern Conference to Reach NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics secured the Eastern Conference championship on Monday with a narrow 105-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers, completing a 4-0 series sweep and earning a spot in the NBA Finals.

The Celtics will now await the winner of the Western Conference Finals, where the Dallas Mavericks lead 3-0 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with game four set for Tuesday.

Boston’s win in Indianapolis marked their seventh consecutive postseason victory, though they faced a strong challenge from a Pacers team missing their injured star guard, Tyrese Haliburton.

Basketball Updates!

Jaylen Brown played a pivotal role once again, scoring a step-through to tie the game at 102-102 with 2:40 left in the fourth quarter and making a crucial block on Andrew Nembhard. Brown then assisted Derrick White, who sank a three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining to secure the game and the series.

Nembhard, who posted 24 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds for the Pacers, missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 33 seconds left.

Brown led the Celtics with 29 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.

The Celtics return to the NBA Finals two years after their loss to the Golden State Warriors, aiming for their first championship since 2008.

“It’s been a grind all season, but we haven’t skipped any steps,” said Brown, who was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging nearly 30 points per game in the series. “We have a great group in the locker room, tough guys, and fantastic coaching and front office. Now we want to take the next step.”

Boston has an impressive 12-2 postseason record, having defeated the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Pacers to reach their 23rd NBA Finals in franchise history.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s dedication and resilience. “Our players are incredibly talented and committed. They let us coach them, they listen, and they set the tone for our organization every day,” he said. “As a coach, the best gift is having players who trust you and allow you to lead them.”

Pacers Upbeat in Defeat

The Pacers were competitive in all four games, losing three times after holding leads or being tied in the final minute.

Despite leading by nine points with 8:28 left in the fourth quarter, the Pacers struggled to close out the game without Haliburton’s influence.

“An amazing season, a magical season,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “The level of fight was tremendous throughout. They were in it to win every possession and every game, and I have a lot of respect for how our players conducted themselves in this series.”

Carlisle added, “There are many accomplishments to be proud of this year, and expectations will be higher next year, which is a good thing.”