The job still isn’t finished for the Celtics, but Boston took a hugely important step toward its ultimate goal Monday night.
After winning each of its first two postseason series in five games, Boston leveled up by completing a sweep of Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals. The gritty Pacers made life very difficult for the Celtics for most of the best-of-seven set, but Joe Mazzulla’s side simply made more winning plays en route to its second NBA Finals berth in three years.
Following a speech from their head coach, the C’s let some adult beverages fly in the visitor’s locker room at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A team-released video even captured Sam Hauser shot-gunning a beer in what was a joyous celebration for the East champs.
The C’s will compete with either the Mavericks or the Timberwolves for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. Dallas owns a commanding 3-0 series lead over Minnesota in the Western Conference finals heading into Tuesday night’s Game 4 at American Airlines Center.