The Boston Celtics completed a 4-0 series sweep of the Indiana Pacers to advance to the NBA Finals. Behind a dominant performance from Eastern Conference finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who scored 26 points and dished out a crucial assist, the Celtics secured their second Finals appearance in three seasons. The team dedicated the win to the late Bill Walton and was also led by a strong showing from Jayson Tatum.
Boston Celtics Sweep Indiana Pacers to Advance to NBA Finals
In a decisive victory, the Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers 4-0 to secure their second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons. Led by Eastern Conference finals MVP Jaylen Brown's 26-point performance, the Celtics dominated the series from start to finish.
Background
The Celtics and Pacers entered the series as the first and fourth seeds in the Eastern Conference, respectively. Boston had won 58 games in the regular season, while Indiana had posted a 45-37 record. The two teams had not met in the playoffs since 2003, when the Pacers won in six games.
Series Highlights
Game 1: Celtics 116, Pacers 92 Game 2: Celtics 110, Pacers 97 Game 3: Celtics 123, Pacers 108 Game 4: Celtics 120, Pacers 107
Key Players
Post-Game Reaction
Celtics coach Brad Stevens praised his team's effort and dedication. "They played with incredible intensity and focus throughout the series," he said. "Jaylen [Brown] was sensational, but it was a total team effort."
Brown was emotional after accepting the MVP trophy. "I'm so proud of my teammates," he said. "We worked hard all season for this moment. This is for all the fans who believed in us."
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is the Eastern Conference finals MVP? Jaylen Brown
2. What is the Celtics' record against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs? 11-4
3. How many NBA championships have the Celtics won? 17
4. Who is the Celtics' head coach? Brad Stevens
5. When will the NBA Finals start? September 29, 2023
Ahead of Game 3 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series and their first road game of the postseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on the experience of playing in hostile environments. He described the thrill of silencing and even ruining the day of opposing fans who pay top dollar to watch their team, and the satisfaction that comes with winning on the road in the playoffs. Redick, known for his competitive and relentless nature, emphasized the unique allure of such moments outside of potentially winning a championship.
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Indian Olympic javelin champion, Neeraj Chopra, defends his decision to invite Pakistani athlete, Arshad Nadeem, to compete in the upcoming NC Classic event in India. Despite receiving backlash and even threats towards himself and his family, Chopra stands by his invitation and expresses disappointment in the doubting of his loyalty and integrity to his country. He also voices his thoughts and prayers for the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir.
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has faced criticism and hate for inviting Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru. Neeraj clarified that the invitation was sent before the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and was solely based on Arshad's status as an Olympic gold medallist. He also stated that, in light of the tragedy, Arshad's participation in the event was no longer possible.
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India's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has spoken up about the criticism he received for inviting Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic event. Despite declining the invitation, Nadeem's presence at the event was deemed inappropriate following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam. Chopra clarified that the invitation was sent well before the attacks and expressed his love for his country and family amidst the backlash. He also addressed the false narratives being spread about him and his family and vowed to continue representing India with pride and integrity.
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