Boston 3 Party Wins 106-102

The Boston Three party was in effect Wednesday night. Boston and Detroit were 9 of 14 from three point land in the first half. Shot of the night was easily KG's fade away high arc three pointer bank shot as the shot clock expired in the 2nd quarter. Ray Allen hit two threes in the first quarter and Pierce did as well to aid the Celtics. Kendrick Perkins had 12 points and 13 rebounds in the first half to really give the Celtics a lift. In the first half Boston out-rebounded the Pistons 28-11. Rajon Rondo had just 4 points but was aggressive and able to find his teammates for several key baskets.

The Pistons defense began to help Detroit work their way back into yet another game against the Celtics. Detroit had it down to a one point game after a huge Lindsay Hunter 3 pointer in the 4th. Several lazy lob passes from the Celtics lead to turnovers or near turnovers. Ray Allen hit yet another 3 pointer with a minute to go, pushing the lead back to 4. Rodney Stuckey hit two key free throws with under 10 seconds to go, narrowing it back to a 1 point Celtics lead. Ray Allen matched those two on the other end. After a near throwaway pass by the Pistons, Stuckey was back to the line where he missed his 1st attempt. Stuckey went for the intentional miss for his second, but hit the free throw accidentally. After two KG free throws, the Celtics had the four point lead and a hard fought win, 106-102.

This series still appears to be headed the full 7 games, because I'd expect it to be an intense Pistons squad that shows up in Detroit for Game 6. Expect the tie up and then a potentially classic game 7 in Boston. Rip Hamilton who's been the scoring spark plug for this Pistons team was the recipient of a poke to his eye and then a hurt arm in the 4th. Ray Allen has finally started to heat up though, which is a great sign for the C's.

* In other NBA news of interest, the NBA league office ruled that there should have been a foul called on Derek Fisher as he hit Brent Barry. Barry was going for a game winning shot at the end of regulation. The non-call allowed for a Lakers victory and Spurs protests.

* Spurs coach Greg Popovich and New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott both signed contract extensions on Wednesday, so expect to see both continue on the sidelines in the Wild Wild West.