Celtics KO Pistons en Route to NBA Finals

It will be a renewal of a classic rivalry in the 2008 NBA Finals as the Boston Celtics will face the Los Angeles Lakers. The two dynasties are storied in their histories as championship teams, and now the newest versions will do battle. Boston took care of business Friday night, winning their second road game to eliminate the Detroit Pistons.

The Luck of the Irish showed up in Detroit for sure. In the second half the Celts shot an amazing 67% field goal percentage. Rajon Rondo's shot with about 2:30 to go in the 4th put Boston up 7. Detroit had an 8 point lead just moments earlier. Billups was able to respond with a three point play to get the Pistons back into it. Posey had a huge steal from Prince after Rondo missed a three, and Pierce followed up by knocking down 2 free throws. Pistons fans began to leave the building as the Celtics had a 85-79 lead with about a minute to go. However, KG missed two free throws with 36 seconds to go, leaving signs of life for Detroit. After a drawn up play, Rasheed missed a three attempt and Pierce came down with the rebound. Pierce hit 1 of 2, and then another Pistons missed three lead to Ray Allen free throws. Celtics win 89-81 and return to the Finals for their first time since 1987. Pierce was jubilant during his post-game interview with ESPN's Michele Tafoya, saying it's been "10 long years" and "bring on the Lakers!" All-time Celtics legend John Havlicek presented the Eastern Conference Championship trophy to a highly charged Boston team who will now begin their 11th matchup with the Lakers in the Finals.

The Celtics-Lakers is definitely an exciting matchup as two squads with a trio of amazing stars will face off. The Lakers not only have the MVP Kobe Bryant but also its two versatile Forward/Center swingmen in Gasol and Odom. The Celtics of course feature the Big 3 with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Should be a very fun finals to watch, so let's hope it goes the full 7!