Celtics Sweep Pacers, Secure Places In NBA Finals

Derrick White became the hero of the Bostons Celtics, scoring three crucial points in stoppage time. (photo: x @celtics)

The Buston Celtics managed to wipe out the win over the Indiana Pacers 4-0, in four games to advance to the NBA Finals. Celtics won dramatically 105-102 in the last match in Indianapolis, Monday night 27 May or Tuesday morning WIB. Derrick White became a hero by scoring three crucial points in stoppage time.

White, who had only managed to score one of eight previous three-point attempts, found himself open in the right corner of the pitch at the last minute of the game. Jaylen Brown, who holds the ball, provided an accurate pass to White who then shot confidently.

"I just believe that JB will make the right decisions as he has done so far this year," White said. "I get a good view and want to stay focused and score points."

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised White's composure. "This is credit for him. He is a player who has short-term memories. The last shot that missed didn't bother him, he played with a calm presence," said Mazzulla.

Jaylen Brown became MVP in this series by scoring 29 points, while Jayson Tatum added 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Celtics made it to the NBA Final for the second time in three seasons.

"It's really a struggle," Brown said. "We haven't missed a single step throughout the season. We have a lot of great players in this dressing room. We have a lot of tough players and our coaching staff and management have been amazing. Now we want to step to the next level."

Pacers' Andrew Nembhard scored 24 points and 10 assists, but that effort was not enough to prevent Pacers from losing in the Eastern Region final for the eighth time on their nine trips. Indiana's only win in the Eastern Region final was against the New York Knicks in 2000.

Boston was able to overcome the nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter and played better at the end of the game. The defense error by Pacers left White standing alone in the right corner in the decisive shot. Brown saw it and provided an accurate pass, which White completed perfectly.

Nembhard failed to score three points with 33.6 seconds remaining and Tatum rebounded. Indiana decided not to commit a foul, and Tatum failed to score three points with 8.3 seconds remaining. However, Jrue Holiday was able to win a rebound offensive with 4.7 seconds remaining, and the Celtics spent time ensuring victory.

This is Boston's second straight comeback win in Indianapolis. Celtics overtook an eight-point deficit with 2:38 remaining in Game 3 to win 114-111. Boston trailed 18 points in the match.

"We never give up," said Tatum. "It's been a tough few games, and we always find a way to finish it. It's a different player every night and we sacrifice to achieve our main goal."

Holiday scored 17 points and nine rebounds and White added 16 points, five steals, and three blocks for the Celtics, who will face Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves in the Final.

Pascal Sikam scored 19 points and 10 rebounds and TJ McConnell added 15 points for Indiana. Aaron Nesmith scored 14 points and Obi Toppin added 12 points. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is absent for the second time in a row due to a hamstring injury.

"Their level of struggle has been incredible throughout this match," said Indiana coach Rick aired about his team. "The situation never bothered them. They try to win every ball possession and every game they can. A lot of respect for our players and how they behave in this series."

Celtics scored 44.9 percent of their shot, including 14 of 44 from a three-point distance. Indiana scored 46 percent of their shot and 10 from 29 from the back of the bow.

McConnell scored six points in the first 64 seconds of the fourth quarter to give Pacers an 89-82 lead. The three-point game by Nembhard made it 94-85 with 8:57 remaining. After Boston approached four points, Nesmith made two straight basketballs to give Indiana a 98-90 lead with 5:56 remaining. Celtics answered with a 8-2 run, approaching 100-98 on Holiday's 3:54 three-point game. Brown's runner's shot equalized the score to 102 to 2:40 remaining.

Tatum scored 16 points before half-time as Boston took the 58-57 lead at half-time. Nembhard also scored 16 points in the first half. Pacers took the lead 83-80 into the last quarter but were beaten by Boston at the end of the game for the third time in this series. Indiana lost in Game 1 in extra time.

"It's hard because I think when you look at all those games, we're there," said Sikam. "It hurts and it's hard because I know how hard we work. It's a painful defeat after a painful defeat... No matter how good we play. We didn't finish it."