Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett Keep Pace against Pistons: I'm Sorry, Who's Tired?

"They just finished a seven game stretch with Cleveland."

"They will be too tired to defend their home court."

"Detroit will win this opener easily."

All that was said...but none of it came to pass.

While Detroit was sitting back having a cold one, Boston was playing three games prior to their Eastern Conference Finals debut, and they didn't disappoint their hometown crowd as they dispatched of the Pistons 88-79 to grab Game One of their final stop en route to the NBA Finals.

Led by Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who scored a combined 48 of the team's 88 points, the Celtics proved that despite Ray Allen's so-so performances as of late, they're still going to fight for their right to play in the NBA Championship.

After his 41 point performance on Sunday night, Pierce snagged 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while KG grabbed 26 points and nine rebounds.

Even though it wasn't a truly dominating performance, the tired legs of Boston did get things popping enough to take the early lead in the series.

As for Detroit, they got their help from Tayshaun Prince with 16 points while NBA Playoff veteran Antonio McDyess got a double double (14 and 11) to keep the game close.

Last night, Boston proved that it is truly better to keep playing than take a breather.

Detroit showed that even it is ready for the Celtics, they have to play tougher to get things done early and often to get back to the Finals.

Game Two is Thursday night in Boston. I think Detroit will play better than they did last night, but they will most likely lose the second game too.