Photo: Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Celtics are heading to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.
The Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-102 Monday night to clinch a four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the game tied 102-102 with 45 seconds to go, Derrick White sank a clutch 3-pointer to put the Celtics ahead on the way to victory.
Jaylen Brown was awarded the Larry Bird Trophy as the series MVP.
Read More: Union Square Farmers Market In Somerville Celebrates 20th Season
Before the game started, a moment of silence was held for hall of famer and former Celtics star Bill Walton, who died of cancer Monday at the age of 71. Walton played two seasons for the Celtics and won an NBA Championship with the team during the 1985-86 season. After his retirement, Walton became a sports broadcaster.
The Celtics now focus on raising Banner 18 to the rafters at TD Garden. Their most recent finals win was in 2008 against the Los Angeles Lakers; they lost subsequent trips to the finals against the Lakers in 2010 and the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
The C's have nine days to prepare for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 6. They will take on the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas leads the series 3-0.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok