NBA Playoffs Rundown

Boston 89 Detroit 81: The Boston Celtics completed their end of the deal, defeating the Detroit Pistons last night and setting up the match-up most people want to see: Celtics vs Lakers. The Celtics who looked finished in the fourth quarter once Detroit took a 10 point lead, battled back on the road and showed determination eventually taking the lead and winning the game. Needless to say, I was definitely impressed with the way the Celtics won this game. A few weeks ago, I think this team would have lost this game and it seems like they are finally coming together and becoming the team they were all season.

Paul Pierce was the man once again for the Celtics as he seems to be coming up big for the Celtics when they have a chance to win a series. I have always felt that Pierce needs to be the guy to take over for the Celtics when they need someone to do so. He is their best pure scorer and he proved it again last night. Pierce scored 12 of his 27 points in the 4th quarter and finished shooting 8 of 12 from the floor and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. He also added 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and was noted by the announcers for "taking Tashuan Prince out of the series with his defense."

Kevin Garnett was also huge in this game for the Celtics as he hit some big shots in the 4th quarter as well and finished with 16 points after a rough start in the first half. Ray Allen followed up his monster Game 5 with another strong performance, finishing with 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting. It is possible that Allen may be out of his shooting slump which would be big for the Celtics because they are going to need him against the Lakers. I thought Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins also hit some big shot for the Celtics down the stretch as well.

For Detroit, Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton both played great again. Billups led the Pistons with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Rip added 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting and even hit 2 three-pointers. However, the rest of the Pistons added little to help out Billups and Hamilton. Rasheed Wallace ( 4 PTS, 2-12 FG, 10 REB) and Tashuan Prince (10 PTS, 3-10 FG) were pretty much no-shows on the offensive end, especially Wallace. I don't buy all this crap that he is one of the best players in the NBA because he is not consistent enough and that has to count for something.

Once again, the Pistons went away from Antonio McDyess and he was only 2 of 3 from the floor and finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds. I'm not really sure why they don't run more pick and rolls with McDyess where he pops up to shoot and open jumper. He was effective all series and while he can't create his own shot by putting the ball on the floor, he can however knock down a long jumper when his feet are set. I still think he should have gotten more touches. Jason Maxiell was also effective off the bench for the Pistons but he only took 4 shots, hitting 3 of them and finishing with 7 points.

Since the Celtics won Game 6 on the road, the Celtics fans weren't really able to celebrate with their team on the court. The next time the Celtics will be in front of their fans on their home court is going to be Game 1 of the NBA Finals and I expect the home crown to be jacked up like you wouldn't believe. This is definitely going to help the Celtics in Game 1 and give them a ton of confidence. I can't wait for the NBA Finals to begin. Celtics vs Lakers, the two best teams in the league right now and the two best teams in the history of the NBA. It can't get any better than this. The NBA might just be officially back.