Derrick White’s crucial three-pointer with 43 seconds left secured Boston the lead, and the Celtics finished with a 105-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. This win completed a four-game sweep, propelling the Celtics to the NBA finals for the second time in three years. White’s decisive play underscored his valuable contribution, finishing the game with 16 points.
Key Players and Comeback Effort
Jaylen Brown spearheaded Boston’s offense with 29 points, while Jayson Tatum added a substantial 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Their combined efforts helped the Celtics overcome a nine-point deficit in the second half. Reflecting on the game, Tatum acknowledged the Pacers’ resilience: “They fought us hard to the wire, they have pride as a team. They didn’t want to give up. We missed bunnies all night. I knew we were due for one. That was a big-time shot.”
Awaiting the Finals Opponent
The Celtics now await the winner of the Dallas-Minnesota series, with the Mavericks leading 3-0 and poised to potentially clinch the series on Tuesday night. This anticipation adds an extra layer of excitement as Boston prepares for the finals, aiming to secure another championship title.
Pacers’ Struggles and Highlights
Indiana, missing two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, suffered their second consecutive home defeat, both in the final moments after relinquishing leads. Andrew Nembhard stood out for the Pacers, recording 24 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, but missed a critical three-pointer in the closing seconds. Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while TJ McConnell and Aaron Nesmith contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Intensity and Game Dynamics
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle commended his team’s perseverance, stating, “Our guys embraced it. Give them credit for the stuff they pulled off at the end of the last two games. They simply made more plays.” The game saw tempers flare in the third quarter when Myles Turner knocked White to the ground, prompting a brief altercation with Jaylen Brown. Both players received technical fouls, but this incident did not disrupt the competitive flow of the game.
Indiana’s repeated near-misses in the final minute highlighted their struggle to close out games, a pattern that continued against Boston. Tatum remarked on the intensity of such elimination scenarios, saying, “That game is the toughest. It’s the most fun, too.” The Celtics’ late rally, marked by crucial plays and defensive stops, ultimately secured their victory.
As the game concluded, Boston’s tactical plays in the final minutes, including forcing turnovers and making critical defensive blocks, sealed their path to the NBA finals. Jrue Holiday’s rebound in the final seconds ensured the Pacers had no opportunity for a comeback, exemplifying Boston’s determination and strategic execution under pressure.
