Celtics sweep Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals to reach NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics clinched the Eastern Conference championship on Monday with a nail-biting 105-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers, completing a clean 4-0 series sweep and securing their spot in the NBA Finals.

They will now face the winner of the Western Conference Finals, where the Dallas Mavericks currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of Tuesday's game four.

In Indianapolis, the Celtics notched their seventh consecutive postseason win, though they had to dig deep against a resilient Pacers squad missing their injured star guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Jaylen Brown was once again the difference-maker. With 2:40 left in the fourth quarter, he made a crucial step-through to tie the game at 102-102, then delivered a stunning block on Andrew Nembhard at the rim. With just 45 seconds remaining, Brown dished to Derrick White, who nailed a corner three-pointer that ultimately sealed the victory and the series.

Despite a valiant effort from Nembhard, who finished with 24 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, he missed a three-pointer with 33 seconds left that would have tied the game.

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 for the first time since their loss to the Golden State Warriors two years ago, aiming to capture their first title since 2008.

"It's been a grind all season, no steps skipped," said Brown, who was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging nearly 30 points throughout the series. "We have a great group of guys, tough guys. Our coaching staff and front office have been fantastic, and now we want to take the next step."

Boston has been dominant in the postseason, going 12-2 as they defeated the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Pacers to reach their 23rd NBA Finals in franchise history.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's efforts. "Look at all the talent and the players we have. It's really about them. They let us coach them, they listen, and they set the tone every day. As a coach, having a group that trusts you and allows you to coach them is the greatest gift."

Despite the loss, the Pacers remained optimistic. It was the third time in the series that they had lost after holding leads or being tied in the final minute. Without Haliburton, their nine-point lead with 8:28 left in the fourth proved insurmountable.

"An amazing season, a magical season. The fight was tremendous all the way through," said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. "Circumstances never fazed them. They aimed to win every possession and game they could. Much respect to our players for how they conducted themselves."

Carlisle added, "We accomplished a lot this year. Expectations will be higher next year, which is a good thing."