The Boston Celtics are heading back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years after defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, completing a series sweep Monday night.Celtics guard Derrick White hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds left at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis."I felt like I got a good look and just wanted to stay in the shot and knock it down," White said. "I had missed a lot in a row, but it was starting to feel a little better so I just stayed confident and was able to make one."Boston's All-Star duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 55 points in the victory."As a coach, the greatest gift you can have is a group of guys that trust you and allow you to coach them, and you guys give that to us every day so I appreciate that," said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.Video below: Celtics fans celebrate Game 4 winVideo below: Boston native Donnie Wahlberg celebrates Celtics' return to NBA FinalsBrown was named Most Valuable Player of the series. He averaged 29.8 points per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Brown hit a game-saving 3-pointer in Game 1 and tied a career playoff high by scoring 40 points in Game 2. He also averaged five rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Eastern Conference Finals."It's been nothing but a grind. We haven't skipped no steps all season," Brown said. "We got a bunch of great guys in this locker room, a bunch of tough guys. Our coaching staff has been great, front office has been great and now we want to take it to the next step." Video below: Brown surprised to be named MVP of Eastern Conference finalsAfter the game, Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck dedicated the win to Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who died Monday at age 71 after a prolonged cancer battle. Walton helped the Celtics with the NBA championship in 1986."These guys are not satisfied with this trophy. We want to go one more," Grousbeck said. "Credit to Brad Stevens for bringing in some great players. We lost some great guys, as well. This whole team is a team, a team the way the Celtics are supposed to play. They're true Celtics, and on to the next round."Video below: Wyc Grousbeck speaks with Duke after Game 4Video below: Steve Pagliuca talks about sweep in East finalsThe Celtics will either face the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Finals, which begin June 6. The Mavericks currently lead the Western Conference finals 3-0 and are hosting Game 4 Tuesday night.Video below: Al Horford 'overwhelmed' with emotion after sweep in East finals
BOSTON —
The Boston Celtics are heading back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years after defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, completing a series sweep Monday night.
Celtics guard Derrick White hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds left at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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"I felt like I got a good look and just wanted to stay in the shot and knock it down," White said. "I had missed a lot in a row, but it was starting to feel a little better so I just stayed confident and was able to make one."
After completing first quest by reaching NBA Finals, Celtics can begin thinking about championship
Boston's All-Star duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 55 points in the victory.
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— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2024Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were undeniable in the clutch of Game 4 to advance to the NBA Finals ☘️
Brown: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 4 3PM
Tatum: 26 PTS, 13 REB, 8 ASTThe #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV tips off Thursday, 6/6 at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/hgk3OGAPGj
"As a coach, the greatest gift you can have is a group of guys that trust you and allow you to coach them, and you guys give that to us every day so I appreciate that," said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Video below: Celtics fans celebrate Game 4 win
Video below: Boston native Donnie Wahlberg celebrates Celtics' return to NBA Finals
Brown was named Most Valuable Player of the series. He averaged 29.8 points per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Brown hit a game-saving 3-pointer in Game 1 and tied a career playoff high by scoring 40 points in Game 2. He also averaged five rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Eastern Conference Finals.
"It's been nothing but a grind. We haven't skipped no steps all season," Brown said. "We got a bunch of great guys in this locker room, a bunch of tough guys. Our coaching staff has been great, front office has been great and now we want to take it to the next step."
Video below: Brown surprised to be named MVP of Eastern Conference finals
After the game, Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck dedicated the win to Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who died Monday at age 71 after a prolonged cancer battle. Walton helped the Celtics with the NBA championship in 1986.
Boston Celtics legend Bill Walton, NBA Hall of Famer, dies at 71
"These guys are not satisfied with this trophy. We want to go one more," Grousbeck said. "Credit to Brad Stevens for bringing in some great players. We lost some great guys, as well. This whole team is a team, a team the way the Celtics are supposed to play. They're true Celtics, and on to the next round."
Video below: Wyc Grousbeck speaks with Duke after Game 4
Video below: Steve Pagliuca talks about sweep in East finals
The Celtics will either face the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Finals, which begin June 6. The Mavericks currently lead the Western Conference finals 3-0 and are hosting Game 4 Tuesday night.
Here's when the NBA Finals will begin for the Boston Celtics
Video below: Al Horford 'overwhelmed' with emotion after sweep in East finals
