Boston Celtics defeat Detroit Pistons, 106-102

As much as the Celtics love playing at TD Banknorth Garden, they hope to ensure they come nowhere near the place Sunday.

The Celtics moved one win from advancing to the NBA Finals with a 106-102 victory over the Pistons last night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. Boston owns a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 tomorrow night in Detroit. A win at the Palace will send the Celtics to the Finals for the first time since 1987, while a loss would me...

It was 100-99, Celtics. 1:04 remaining. Once a 17-point lead, even a 15-point lead way back in the beginning of this very period. Out of bounds play underneath their own basket. Celtics need a basket. The Celtics seriously need a basket.

Who you gonna call?

How about Ray Allen?

Yes, Ray. Why not? Forget all that business about being missing in action for near the entire playoffs. Ray had already nailed five threes. Ray's stroke was back.

So James Posey inbounde...

We didn't have Larry Bird stealing the ball in the final five seconds. We didn't have Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sucking on an oxygen mask. We didn't even have courtside fan Bill Belichick tossing a red beanbag to challenge an official's call.

But as Game 5 victories go, this was pretty thrilling. In fact, it was one of the more exciting playoff games in the New or Old Garden.

The Celtics almost blew a 17-point second-half lead but hung on to beat the Pistons, 106-102, last...