The Boston Celtics are headed back to the NBA Finals after defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. With the win, Boston sweeps the series and will now look to earn an 18th title in franchise history.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics. They combined for 55 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. In fact, Boston got strong contributions up and down the roster, but this wasn’t enough to keep up with the Pacers. Indiana shot the lights out in the first half, and looked a step ahead of the Celtics defense from the opening tip. Boston hung tough, however. The tightened up on defense in the last period, recapturing the lead in the final moments of the fourth quarter. Derrick White put the Celtics ahead with a corner 3-pointer, and a Jrue Holiday offensive rebound secured the win.
Let’s take a closer look at Game 4 and recap a 105-102 Celtics win against the Pacers.
First quarter
Boston stuck with their usual defensive strategy to open the game. All series long, the Celtics have prioritized locking down the perimeter and otherwise relied on individual efforts to protect the rim. As one of the best offenses in NBA history, Indiana has been able to score in bunches in the painted area as a result, though they have taken far fewer 3-pointers. This trade-off has been a key part of Boston’s defense all series and all postseason.
Indeed, here in the first quarter, the formula looked like it would pay off once again, however narrowly. Boston won the period 29-27 after shooting 5-for-10 from deep in the period.
For the game, the Celtics went 14-for-44 on 3-pointers, a good but not great outing, and the Pacers looked ready to upend this shooting imbalance in Game 4. Though they cooled off in the second half, Indiana’s prowess from deep was a big theme early in the game.
Second quarter
The second quarter saw more of the same. Indiana scored with relative ease around the rim, but the Pacers were more willing to shoot from distance. The tandem of Ben Sheppard and Andrew Nembhard were crucial in this effort, and they hit a number of big 3-pointers in the first half.
On the Celtics side of the equation, scoring was a no-nonsense affair. The ball could have moved a bit more, and Boston didn’t really force the issue in transition. Still, the guys in green scored consistently enough, and stayed one step ahead of the Pacers.
The close to the quarter saw the Celtics miss a number of open 3-pointers, and as a result, Boston took a slim 58-57 lead into the second half.
Third Quarter
The Pacers connected on a flurry of 3-pointers to open the frame, despite pretty good defensive pressure from Boston. Celtics fans know well enough what happens when an opponent gets hot in the postseason.
The action got a bit more physical as the period progressed, a welcome sign for Boston. The Pacers were among the fastest teams in the NBA this year, and much of their scoring prowess is predicated on pace and being quicker than the other team. Derrick White and Al Horford were both instrumental in slowing Indiana down.
The Celtics couldn’t take advantage. Turnovers were an issue in the period, while Indiana continued to make shots. Boston only scored 22 points in the quarter, and trailed 83-80 at the end of the third.
Fourth quarter
Indiana led for much of the fourth quarter, although Boston hung tough. Brown and Tatum each hit a number of critical shots that kept the Pacers from pulling away.
Things remained chippy in this period, and both teams looked exhausted. This is where Boston’s experience appear to come into play. In the final minutes of the quarter, the Celtics seemed to tighten their focus, save a few lapses. By settling in, Boston slowly marched back, capturing and holding the lead in the final minute.
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