Boston Celtics Sweep Pacers to Reach NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics showcased impressive dominance in the Eastern Conference finals, sweeping the Indiana Pacers 4-0 with a narrow victory of 105-102 in Indiana on Monday night. This success marks Boston's return to the NBA finals for the first time since 2022. The Celtics, who are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most championship rings (17), are seeking their 18th title, their first since 2008.
Owner Wyc Grousbeck praised the team and manager Brad Stevens for effectively improving the squad: 'These are real Celtics, these are the Celtics we like to see. Congratulations to Brad Stevens. See you in the next round!'
Throughout the conference finals, Boston faced significant challenges but consistently managed to pull through. The decisive Game 4 saw Boston recovering from a 9-point deficit midway through the final quarter, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum leading the charge. Brown, who was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, was especially instrumental, stealing crucial possessions and blocking shots in the final minutes.
Last season, Boston stumbled in the conference finals against Miami. However, they utilized their experience to ensure the sweep against the Pacers this year. Jaylen Brown remarked, 'We haven’t skipped any steps since last year.' Brown averaged 30 points per game in the series, his outstanding performance earning him the Larry Bird trophy.
Despite Brown's contributions, Jayson Tatum also delivered remarkable numbers, averaging 31.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Tatum's impressive stats didn't overshadow Brown’s critical plays in crunch moments, which likely swayed the MVP decision in Brown's favor.
Coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the team’s balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, with new addition Jrue Holiday providing significant defensive strength. The team now gets a ten-day reprieve before facing the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the finals.
Indiana, playing without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, fought bravely but fell short in closing moments. The Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle commended his players for their incredible season despite the loss.
- This season has further cemented the reputation of the Boston Celtics as a formidable team, especially noted for their impeccable performance both at home and away. They are only the fifth team ever to reach the NBA Finals with a 6-0 road record in the playoffs.
- Brown, despite having the most expensive contract in NBA history, remained humble, expressing surprise over his MVP win. Tatum, who led the team in points, rebounds, and assists, also received praise from teammates and coaches alike.
- The Celtics will have home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, beginning on June 6 at TD Garden. This will give ample time for key players like Kristaps Porzingis to recover from injuries and regain full fitness, further boosting their chances of clinching the championship.
