The Pacers' deep playoff run has come to an end. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics brought the brooms to Gainbridge Fieldhouse last night.
Why it matters: The Indiana Pacers' season is over, but fans can take comfort in knowing that this young team just turned in the best year of NBA hoops the Circle City has seen in a decade.
Driving the news: The Celtics beat the Pacers 105-102 in a game that was close to the final seconds.
With the loss, the best-of-seven series ends at 0-4 and Boston will return to the NBA Finals to play either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dallas is leading that series 3-0, and Game 4 is tonight at 8:30.
Zoom in: Much like Game 1 and Game 3, Indiana let a fourth-quarter lead slip away late en route to a Boston victory.
The Pacers were forced to play without superstar Tyrese Haliburton for two straight games because of a hamstring injury.
Andrew Nembhard was the point leader for Indiana with 24 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds.
What they're saying: "There were a lot of things accomplished this year. Expectations will be raised for next year, which is good," Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after the game. "There are challenges to meet over the summer for our guys to all get better. All of us involved need to get better."
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Celtics beat the Pacers 105-102, not 114-111.
