5/20/08: Game 1 of the East Finals - Celtics vs. Pistons

Celtics beat Pistons 88-79 in Game 1 of East finals

By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics were supposed to be tired after going seven games in both of their previous playoff series.
The Detroit Pistons were supposed to be fresh, coming off six days' rest and a five-game series vs. the Orlando Magic.

For a game, rhythm beat rest.

Feeding off the energy provided by a boisterous crowd at TD Banknorth Garden, the Celtics — playing two days after vanquishing the Cleveland Cavaliers — continued their home-court mastery and defeated Detroit 88-79 Tuesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Boston is 9-0 at home in the playoffs and has won 15 in a row on their famous parquet floor.

BIG TICKET: Garnett key to Game 1 win

BOX SCORE: Celtics 88, Pistons 79

"This was the perfect game for them to come and try to steal one, and we were aware of that," the Celtics' Paul Pierce said. "They probably figured we were tired from the last series. We just came out with extra focus and extra energy at the start of the game."

Game 2 is Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The usual suspects carried Boston to victory. Do-it-all forward Kevin Garnett scored 26 points, collected nine rebounds and delivered four assists. Pierce contributed 22 points, and Rajon Rondo added 11. However, Ray Allen scored nine and remains in his postseason slump.

"I thought we had a lot of energy," Garnett said. "But we've got to go, man. That's what you have to do. You have to suck it up and play. I thought tonight we had good energy."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers deftly went deeper into his bench early than in previous games. P.J. Brown, James Posey, Leon Powe and Eddie House devoured valuable minutes.

And again, the Celtics played their brand of suffocating defense. Detroit coach Flip Saunders said his team couldn't shoot 39% against Boston and expect to win. He wasn't far off the mark. Detroit shot 42%, and Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups, who played for the first time after missing the final two games of the Orlando series, struggled.