Detroit’s Run Isn’t Enough as They Go Down 3-2

Detroit rallied back from a double digit deficit in the third quarter to send Game Five of The Eastern Conference Finals to the wire. Detroit’s fourth quarter surge wasn’t enough to get the win after getting within one point with eight seconds left on the clock. The Celtics, now in control after their 102-106 victory, are just one win away from the NBA Finals.

Plenty of things went Boston’s way, including a huge game from Kendrick Perkins who dominated the game for the Celtics early, grabbing boards from the opening tip. Perkins 18 point, 16 board game was clearly his best of the series. In fact, Kendrick was the only thing going right for The Celtics early. Boston didn’t start taking charge on their home court until late in the second quarter.

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 33 points on 11-for-17 shooting, his highest total of the Playoffs this season. Thankfully for Boston Ray Allen got his grove back putting up 29 points, none more clutch than his three pointer late in the game to help seal the victory for Boston.

Chauncey Billups led Detroit with 26 points on 7-for-17 shooting, while going a perfect 9-for-9 from the stripe. Billups, who has been struggled the whole series, had his best game for in quite some time.

Richard Hamilton added 25, getting hot late in the game after The Pistons disappointing third quarter when they were down by as much as 14. With the help of Hamilton, Detroit rallied back to start the fourth going on a 10-2 run to get right back in the game.

Rasheed Wallace was flaming hot from the opening tip knocking down 5 first half three pointers and one more in the second half. He finished with 18 points and three blocks.

Detroit’s hero from Game Four, Antonio McDyess got into foul trouble, eventually fouling out midway through the fourth quarter. He finished with just 4 points on the night.

While Detroit went through there lapses in the third quarter, they tightened up their defense to get right back in it. Both teams defense was characteristic of how they play, Detroit causing 17 Boston’s turnovers, while the Celtics helped Detroit into 15 of their own.

Perhaps the telling stat of the night was the Celtics Huge advantage on the glass. Boston won the war of the boards 43-25. If Detroit wants to take this to a Game Seven, a lopsided number like that isn’t going to do.

Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins were both called for late game technical fouls and P.J. Brown was whistled for a Flagrant Once call on a hard foul to Jason Maxiell early in the game.

The series moves to The Palace of Auburn Hills for a possible elimination game for Detroit on Friday. This entertaining series could possibly be in store for its best game yet. One thing is certain, both teams will play hard.



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