The Boston Celtics made a loud statement on Monday night, dominating the Indiana Pacers in a wire-to-wire victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the win, Boston completed the series sweep and cemented its place in the 2024 NBA Finals. Armed with elite defense, clutch shot-making, and an all-around team performance, the Celtics head into June looking every bit like a championship favorite.
Let’s break down how Game 4 unfolded and what this means moving forward.
Game / News Breakdown
Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was filled with intensity and playoff drama—even without Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who missed his second straight game due to a hamstring injury. Despite Indiana’s gritty effort to stay close through three quarters, Boston’s championship experience and poise proved too much down the stretch.
The Celtics won 105–102 in a hard-fought battle. They trailed late in the fourth quarter but ended the game on a 7–0 run over the final 3:33. Boston’s defense clamped down when it mattered most, forcing Indiana into late-shot-clock situations and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
This 4-0 sweep marks the Celtics’ second NBA Finals appearance in the past three seasons and their league-high 23rd overall. They remain undefeated on the road this postseason and are now a perfect 6-0 in elimination-clinching games since 2022.
Key Players & Performances
Boston survived Indiana’s gritty performance thanks to late-game heroics from its All-Star duo and steady contributions up and down the roster.
– **Jaylen Brown** came up huge once again. The newly crowned Eastern Conference Finals MVP dropped 29 points on 50% shooting, including clutch mid-range buckets in the final minutes. Brown’s two-way dominance set the tone early and sealed the win late.
– **Jayson Tatum** added 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Though his shot wasn’t falling efficiently (9-of-21 from the field), his playmaking helped find open looks for teammates, and his rebounding was critical.
– **Derrick White** had the biggest shot of the night—a corner three with 45 seconds left to give Boston a 3-point lead. His defense on Indiana’s perimeter guards was also a difference maker.
For Indiana:
– **Andrew Nembhard** was impressive in Haliburton’s absence. The second-year guard scored 24 points and dished out 10 assists, showing confidence and control under pressure.
– **Pascal Siakam** contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds but struggled to create quality looks in the fourth quarter against Boston’s switching defense.
With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers simply didn’t have enough firepower to match Boston’s versatility.
Team Impact & Standings
Boston now awaits the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, where Dallas currently leads 3-0. Regardless of the opponent, the Celtics will enter the Finals well-rested and battle-tested.
They are now 12-2 in the playoffs and continuing to lead all postseason teams in net rating (+11.2). Their defense ranks first in efficiency, while their offense is firing at an elite pace from deep—shooting over 38% from three during the playoffs.
For Indiana, this playoff run signals a new era of hope. Despite the sweep, their unexpected push to the conference finals energized the franchise. Nembhard’s emergence and Haliburton’s All-NBA play earlier in the postseason suggest Indiana has a strong foundation heading into the 2024-25 season.
What’s Next
The Celtics will have several days off before the NBA Finals begin on June 6. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will use the rest to prepare for star-studded offenses—whether it’s Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving from Dallas or Anthony Edwards leading Minnesota.
For Boston, key priorities include:
– Maintaining their elite perimeter defense
– Continuing to dominate in clutch-time execution
– Keeping stars healthy and rested
Meanwhile, the Pacers head into an offseason filled with optimism. General manager Kevin Pritchard will evaluate how to build around Haliburton, possibly seeking a starting-level forward and added wing depth to complement the existing core.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics are heading back to the NBA Finals, and this time, they look ready to finish the job. With Brown and Tatum leading the way and a deep bench behind them, this team is built for a title run. While Indiana bows out, they do so with heads high and eyes set on continued growth.
This victory wasn’t just a win—it was a message. Boston means business, and the Larry O’Brien Trophy is firmly in their sights.