Tag: Indiana Pacers

Reacting to the Boston Celtics sweeping the Indiana Pacers

What was YOUR reaction to the series-clinching win for the Celtics?

When the Boston Celtics got done knocking off the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of their 2024 NBA Eastern Conference finals series with the Indiana Pacers at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse on Monday (May 27) night, their reaction was evident for the world to see. 

Immediate, palpable joy, relief, and elation all rolled up into one invisible Red Auerbach victory cigar manifesting in the smiles of elation on their faces. But what was YOUR reaction to the series-clinching win for the Celtics? Hope? Happiness? Hunger for Banner 18, like Al Horford was speaking postgame? Or frustration in knowing that we have more than a week to wait to see them back in the court for the finals?

The hosts of the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast, Jake Issenberg, Ben Vallis, and Wayne Spooney, shared their own reaction to the sweep on a recent episode. Check it out below!

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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PHOTOS: Boston Celtics celebrate sweeping Eastern Conference finals in Indianapolis

Here’s all the best photos of the Boston Celtics celebrating another trip to the NBA Finals.

The Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals thanks to a comeback win on the road in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. Now the Celtics head back to the championship round with a chance to bring an NBA title back to Boston for the first time since 2008.    

Following the win, the Celtics were awarded the Bob Cousy Trophy, given to the team that comes out of the East in the postseason. Likewise, Jaylen Brown won the Larry Bird award after being named the MVP of the conference finals. The Celtics celebrated with their families, as well as a number of fans who stuck around to watch the ceremony at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Boston may be focused on winning an 18th banner, but it was a joyful celebration worthy of a tremendous accomplishment.

Check out the best photos from Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals and the Celtics’ celebration that followed.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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The Boston Celtics complete the sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals

Boston now awaits the winner of the Western Conference finals with a long break ahead.

It was not Boston Celtics floor general Derrick White‘s night for most of the Celtics’ 105-102 Game 4 win over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA’s 2024 Eastern Conference finals series at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse this past (May 27) night. But the University of Colorado alum hit the shot that effectively secured the game and the series for Boston, which teammate Jaylen Brown noted postgame via the Associated Press.

“Great shot. We work on that all the time, two-on-one reads,” said Brown. “Before that, I told D White just to stay ready and that was a big shot, a big shot to send us to the finals,” which is exactly what the Buffalo did for his Celtics teammates.

The hosts of the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast, Jake Issenberg, Ben Vallis, and Wayne Spooney,

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Boston’s Al Horford had high praise for Jaylen Brown’s defense in Celtics Game 4 win vs. Pacers

Brown’s elite play on both ends of the court in this series earned him the third-ever Larry Bird East finals Most Valuable Player award.

Veteran Boston Celtics big man Al Horford had some high praise for star Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown‘s defense in Boston’s 105-102 Game 4 win vs. the Indiana Pacers at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse this past Monday (May 27) night.

“He’s impacting the game not only on offense but on defense, and he’s doing it at a very high level,” said Horford after the series-clinching win, courtesy of MassLive’s Souichi Terada. “We ask a lot of him. Tonight, he started out guarding (Andrew) Nembhard, then he switched up to (Pascal) Siakam, he probably was on (Myles) Turner. He was on different people all over.”

“That versatility is what makes us so tough as a team, I think, is because we have multiple guys that can do that and Jaylen does it at a very high level,” he added.

Brown’s elite play on both ends of the court in this series earned him the third-ever Larry Bird Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player award.

The Georgia native’s clutch offensive play as critical to this series win as his clamps were, and will be key moving forward in the 2024 NBA Finals as Boston squares off with whichever ball club emerges from the Dallas Mavericks – Minnesota Timberwolves Western Conference finals.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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The Boston Celtics are officially heading to the 2024 NBA Finals

Now, the Celtics have plenty of time to rest up while they wait for the finals to arrive.

The Boston Celtics are officially heading to the 2024 NBA Finals after beating the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of their 2024 Eastern Conference finals series, sweeping the Pacers on their own home floor of Gainsbridge Fieldhouse.

Now, the Celtics have plenty of time to rest up while they wait for the finals to arrive and a winner to emerge from the Dallas Mavericks – Minnesota Timberwolves Western Conference finals. It should help injured Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis ease back into getting back on the court, and veteran forward Al Horford a bit of a break after a pair of extended-minute outings in this series.

The hosts of the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took a closer look at the win after the final buzzer sounded. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Andrew Nembhard was the biggest winner of the Eastern Conference Finals, even despite getting swept

Andrew Nembhard deserves to get PAID.

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard got an opportunity to showcase his game on one of the biggest stages, and he didn’t disappoint.

After an injury Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered earlier in the series, Nembhard had a chance to showcase what he could provide in a bigger role against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

This was no easy task as the Celtics have had one of the best offenses and defenses in the league this season, but Nembhard rose to the occasion and played very well despite Boston sweeping Indiana to advance to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Nembhard averaged 28.0 points. 5.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists during his two games in the starting lineup against Boston. This was far better than expected but not particularly shocking to those paying close attention, either.

Before he was selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, we wrote about why Nembhard was one of the top point guards in his class. Then after his first professional campaign last year, we wrote about him getting snubbed for All-Rookie consideration.

After signing the richest rookie contract ever for a second-round pick after he was selected, Nembhard has already shown tremendous value as a pro. Just a couple years later, it already looks like one of the most valuable deals in the NBA.

Nembhard has set himself up very nicely for a lucrative pay day when he is eligible to receive it.

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Celtics Lab 262: On Boston beating Indiana to advance to the finals, and Bill Walton’s passing

Join us as we revel in the Game 4 win and pay respects to Bill Walton’s passing — rest in peace.

The Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 of their 2024 Eastern Conference finals, sweeping the Pacers to advance to the 2024 NBA Finals as they await to see which of the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves Western Conference finals series.

The Celtics will have a 10-day gap between the final buzzer and the start of the finals, plenty of time for injured Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis to finish healing up, and veteran forward Al Horford to get a little rest. Boston earned their Bob Cousy award for their efforts, and Jaylen Brown the Larry Bird Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player award as well.

We’ll have plenty of time to dive deep into whichever club (probably Dallas) the Celtics will play for the 2024 NBA title, but for today, join the CLNS Media “Celtics Lab” podcast hosts as they revel in the Game 4 win — and pay their respects to Bill Walton’s passing — rest in peace.

The Celtics Lab podcast is brought to you by Prize Picks and Gametime.


If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics sweep Pacers, advance to NBA Finals with 105-102 Game 4 win

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 …

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.

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.

The second quarter saw more of the same. Indiana scored with relative ease around the rim, and but the Pacers were more willing to shoot from distance. The tandem of Ben Shephard 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.

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.

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.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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PHOTOS: Boston vs. Indiana – Celtics sweep Pacers with 105-102 Game 4 win

Let’s take a look at some of the best moments captured in images in the Celtics’ Game 4 of their East finals series vs. the Pacers.

The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-102 on the road in Game 4, completing a series sweep of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals. With the win, the Celtics return to the NBA Finals with a chance to raise a coveted 18th banner.

Indiana had another great night shooting the ball to open the action. Boston couldn’t quite keep up, and when the action got more physical in the second half, it was the Celtics who seemed most disrupted. This continued well into the fourth quarter, until experience appeared to come into play. The Pacers looked out of sorts, while Boston locked in on defense. The Celtics took the lead in the final minute of the game after slowly chipping away, and iced the game with composure. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best moments captured in images in the Celtics’ Game 4 of their East finals series vs. the Pacers.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Pacers offseason primer: Time for one more significant addition?

Having overcome their great rival of the previous generation, the New York Knicks, in the semis, the Indiana Pacers – back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 Disney bubble – made their first Eastern Conference Finals series since …

Having overcome their great rival of the previous generation, the New York Knicks, in the semis, the Indiana Pacers – back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 Disney bubble – made their first Eastern Conference Finals series since 2013. But they came up short – a dominant four-game performance by the Boston Celtics saw the Pacers’ season end, one that yielded a decent 47-35 regular season record and an impressively comfortable first-round victory over the higher-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, but which ended limply in a hefty loss to a rival.

Nonetheless, being back in tough-out territory suits the Pacers, and puts them in a position where, with good health and some more reinforcement, they can perhaps enter the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference – an echelon with currently only one team in it, the Celtics – and truly contend for silverware. With this in mind, the Pacers made an uncharacteristically aggressive mid-season buy when they acquired All-Star forward Pascal Siakam back in January.

As expected, Siakam made the Pacers better. If he returns, as is heavily expected, they can be so again. But they will want more, especially as Haliburton enters his prime seasons. With momentum broadly on their side –  Celtics series excepted – and some staggered timelines on their incumbent roster all of which favor short-term goals, perhaps the time is right for the Pacers to push on further.

There follows a look at the Indiana Pacers’ roster and spending heading into the 2024 NBA offseason.