The Boston Celtics qualified for their 23rd Finals in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after taking the fourth game of the Eastern Conference Finals series with the Indiana Pacers with 105:102 on the road.
Derrick White became a hero for the Celtics by making a decisive three-pointer from the corner 43 seconds before the end of regulation. Boston again managed to break the opponent at the end of the game, and White finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks, being 1/8 from three before scoring the decisive basket.
"We feel confident and comfortable in every type of game and we feel we have an answer for everything they challenge us. We just have to find the right answers", White said after the game.
Jaylen Brown was the most productive for the win with his 29 points - he added 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, and after the end of the match he was named the Most Valuable Player in the Eastern Finals. Jayson Tatum was close to a triple-double - 26 points, 13 boards and 8 assists. Jrue Holiday added 17 points.
For Indiana, who should in no way be ashamed of falling behind after an unexpected run to the Conference Finals, Andrew Nembhard had another strong game, finishing with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. The Pacers were without starting point guard Tyrese Haliburton again and tried to compensate with a team performance, with Pascal Siakam posting a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while TJ McConnell (15), Aaron Nesmith (14) and Obi Toppin (12) also chipped in. the 10-point mark, but that proved to be not enough for Rick Carlisle and company.
Boston awaits the winner of the West Final between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks. Texans lead with 3-0 victories in the series, and the Celtics will try to triumph with the title for the first time since 2008. Success in the Finals would also put them on top of the all-time standings with one more trophy than the LA Lakers. /BGNES
