THE Celtics are aiming for the sweep at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but the Pacers – still deprived of Tyrese Haliburton – intend to offer their fans one last festive evening in 2023/24. Instead, this one is unfortunately bitter for them, since it is the C's who again leave with the victory (105-102) after a “money-time” once again controlled head and shoulders.
Authors of a 15-4 to end this Game 4, the teammates of Jaylen Brown (29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals), Jayson Tatum (26 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists) and Jrue Holiday (17 points, 9 rebounds) waited until the last minute, and a 3-pointer from Derrick White (16 points, 5 interceptions, 3 blocks), to finish Andrew Nembhard (24 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds), Pascal Siakam (19 points, 10 rebounds) and all Indiana.
Best team of the regular season, Boston will thus dispute as imagined the Finals 2024 and they will start in ten days, on June 6, against the winner of the series between Dallas and Minnesota (3-0 for the Mavericks currently).
A severe “sweep”…
In the game, and under the leadership of the Jayson Tatum – Jrue Holiday duo, it was the Celtics who got off to the best start: 14-6, thanks to great outside skill and cleanliness with the ball in hand. But the Pacers hang on and, in addition to some welcome offensive rebounds, they can count on the good activity of TJ McConnell off the bench to get back in touch (29-27).
In the second quarter, the public began to heat up as Pascal Siakam but especially Andrew Nembhard led the way for Indiana, which was on par with a Boston team on its side guided by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The match was close, with a little more waste on both sides, with no one really standing out at half-time (58-57).
After the break, it continues to be blow for blow between the Pacers still at ease collectively and the Celtics lacking skill but who are relying on Jaylen Brown to hold on (83-80). The tension particularly rises when Myles Turner and this same Brown get heated, after a stamp from Turner on Derrick White which was not appreciated by “JB”…
In the last act, Indiana tries everything to give itself a chance to extend the series: Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith pull out their muscles to score in the paint, without counting their efforts. The gap climbs to around ten units, but Boston does not panic and turns to Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday to make up the deficit. Until Derrick White, valuable in defense, forced the decision in attack, with a killer 3-pointer synonymous with qualification in the final minute (105-102). GAME OVER !
TO REMEMBER
– Boston will play well for a record 18th title. Like two years ago, the Celtics reached the Finals for the 23rd time in their history. So far, they have won 17 of their 22 finals and, in the event of another trophy, they would regain a lead over the Lakers at the top of this prestigious ranking. A qualification with a particular flavor and the feel of a tribute, since it occurs on the day of the death of Bill Walton, champion with Boston in 1986.
– Indiana has learned another lesson. How cruel it is for the Pacers, unceremoniously “swept” by the Celtics when they could very well have taken one, two or even three games in this series. The problem is that the difference in experience between the two teams was constantly felt in key moments and, in this Game 4, it was from the moment when they led 98-90 that Rick Carlisle's men collapsed. This is evidenced by their 15-4 conceded and their 3 minutes 33 without a basket to close the match. Haste, lack of realism and
– Jaylen Brown voted series MVP. With 29.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals averaging over four games, 52% shooting (including 37% from 3-point range), Jaylen Brown logically leaves with the Larry Bird Trophy, which rewards the best player in the Eastern Conference final for two years. After Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler, “JB” adds his name to the list of this distinction which he could accompany, behind it, with an even more coveted and dazzling Finals MVP title…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
