The Boston Celtics clinched the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference championship on Monday with a 105-102 win over the Indiana Pacers, sweeping the series 4-0 and booking a spot in the NBA Finals.
The Celtics secured their seventh consecutive post-season victory in Indianapolis and will face the winner of the Western Conference finals.
The Dallas Mavericks hold a 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of Tuesday's Game 4.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (C) celebrates with his teammates after Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, U.S., May 27, 2024. /CFP
Jaylen Brown of the Celtics won the Larry Bird Trophy as MVP of the series.
He hit a jumper to level at 102-102 with 2:40 left in the fourth quarter, then superbly rose to block Andrew Nembhard at the rim.
With 45 seconds remaining, Brown found Derrick White in the corner, who sank the three-pointer that ultimately clinched the game.
Nembhard, who had 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds for the Pacers, missed a three-pointer with 33 seconds left that would have tied the game.
Brown led the Celtics' scoring with 29 points, and Jayson Tatum had 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
The Celtics return to the finals two years after losing to the Golden State Warriors as they search for their first NBA title since 2008.
"It's been nothing but a grind; we haven't skipped no steps all season," said Brown, who was named the Eastern Conference finals MVP.
"We've got a bunch of great guys in this locker room – tough guys. Our coaching staff has been great, front office great and now we want to take the next step," he added.
(With input from AFP)