The Basketball Diaries

Boston Celtics 106 Detroit Pistons 102 (Celtics lead 3-2)

For the first time all postseason, all three of the Celtics superstars played well together, and it put Boston on the brink of returning to the NBA Finals. Kevin Garnett had 33 points, Paul Pierce had 16, and Ray Allen finally got in on the act by scoring 29 points.

Ray also made a key jumper in the final minute, and sank a couple of free throws to help the Celtics stave off Detroit's comeback attempt.

"We knew the significance of this game," said Garnett, whose 33 points were his most in the playoffs this year. "You don't win this game, you put basically yourself in a corner. ... They're experienced, and they've been in a lot of pressure situations. Now it's up to us to go up there and try to get one."

Kendrick Perkins had a monster game for Boston as well, as he's becoming an offensive threat all of a sudden thanks to his dominance on the boards against Detroit. Perkins finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds, and outrebounded the Pistons 13-11 by himself in the first half.

Detroit made a valiant effort, coming back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, and nearly completing the comeback. Chauncey Billups had his best game since returning from his injury, scoring 26 points for the Pistons.