The Indiana Pacers put up a tough fight against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, but ultimately were unable to secure a win in the series, as Boston swept Indiana with a 105-102 victory in Game 4. The Celtics, who have not won a championship since 2008, are now headed to the Finals for the 23rd time and will be aiming for their 18th title. Despite leading for much of the game and holding a late lead in the fourth quarter, the Pacers faltered down the stretch, allowing Boston to outscore them 15-4 to end the game.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics in Game 4 with 29 points, along with six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block. Jayson Tatum also had a strong performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Brown earned the Eastern Conference finals MVP award for his contributions throughout the series, averaging 29.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals with efficient shooting from the field. The Pacers were hampered by the absence of key players, including All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton who missed the final two games with a hamstring injury.
Despite Pacers coach Rick Carlisle’s promise to make it difficult for the Celtics to sweep the series, Indiana was unable to extend the series. Andrew Nembhard, coming off a playoff career-high 32 points in Game 3, had another strong performance with 24 points and 10 assists in Game 4. Pascal Siakam contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers. The depth of the Celtics proved to be too much for the Pacers to overcome, with four of five Celtics players scoring in double figures and Derrick White making a strong two-way impact with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, five steals, and three blocks.
With the series now behind them, the Boston Celtics are set to face the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Dallas Mavericks series in the NBA Finals, which will begin on June 6 in Boston. Boston will be looking to secure their first championship since 2008 and add to their storied history as a franchise. Despite a valiant effort from the Pacers, they were unable to overcome the talent and depth of the Celtics, who will now turn their focus to their next opponent in the Finals as they aim to capture another title.
