The Boston Celtics have returned to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics dominated their side of the bracket and are seeking revenge after last year's disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the first round.
The Boston Celtics have returned to the NBA Finals after completing a sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night. The Celtics dominated their side of the bracket, winning 12-2 in the playoffs.
The Pacers did all they could to live to see another day, leading by as many as nine points in Game 4. However, Derrick White broke a 102-102 tie with a three-pointer with just about 45 seconds to go.
The Celtics are seeking revenge after last year's utter failure, where they, as the No. 2 seed, lost in the first round to the Miami Heat, an eighth seed, in the Eastern Conference Finals. They had fallen in that series, three games to none, and forced a Game 7, but lost it.
Boston has not won the title since 2008 - they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games two years ago. It's currently their second-longest drought, with their longest having been from 1987 to their most recent championship season 15 years ago.
After beating the Los Angeles Lakers that year, Kobe Bryant got revenge by winning two years later, going back-to-back.
Jaylen Brown was named the series MVP, averaging 27.3 points per game.
The Celtics will now face the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.
The Celtics have a long and storied history in the NBA, winning 17 championships. They are the most successful team in the Eastern Conference, and they have a passionate fan base in Boston and around the country.
The Celtics are once again a legitimate contender for the NBA championship, and they are looking to add to their legacy of success.
