Boston Celtics reached the NBA finals for the second time in three years on Monday after beating Indiana Pacers.
Celtics took the lead as a result of a game-winning 3-pointer from American professional, Derrick White, with 43 second remaining and were able to defeat the Indiana Pacers 105-102.
The Freshman of the Year in the Pac-12 Conference, Jaylen Brown, finished with 29 points, and Jayson Tatum pitched in with 26 points, 13 boards, and 8 assists to help overturn a nine-point halftime deficit. While White scored 16 points in total against the Pacers.
In the conference finals last year, Boston had to win three straight after falling behind and force a seventh game. However, they were able to defeat the Pacers in four games this year.
“They fought us hard to the wire; they have pride as a team. They didn’t want to give up,” Tatum said afterwards. “We missed bunnies all night. I knew we were due for one. That was a big time shot,” he added.
The Celtics will be facing the Mavericks or Timberwolves, who will face off in the fourth game on Tuesday, in the final. The former have a 3-0 lead at the moment.
Meanwhile, Indiana lost its second consecutive match, largely because of the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, in the final minute. Andrew Nembhard pitched in with 24 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.
Indiana’s coach, Rick Carlisle, assured that his team would play really hard to extend their season.
“Our guys embraced it,” Carlisle said of his team’s effort.
“Give them credit for the stuff they pulled off at the end of the last two games. They simply made more plays,” he added.
Tatum also said that he was relieved after the match was over.
“That game is the toughest. It’s the most fun, too,” Tatum said, referring to the elimination scenario.
Jayson’s dunk in the game brought the Celtics within 102-100, and Brown’s mid-range jumper levelled the score. White’s three later gave the team the lead. In the last 8 seconds in hand, Tatum missed a three-pointer, giving Indiana a chance to come back in the game. However, Jrue Holiday recovered the rebound.
