Eastern Conference Finals; Boston Takes 3-2 Series Lead To Detroit

       The Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons in a nail-biter Wednesday night, and they now have a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Game six will take place at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., as Detroit will look to stay alive on their home court. Meanwhile, Boston has a chance to make a date for the NBA Finals, but will have to win on the road, where they've gone a mere one and seven this postseason.

Before I look ahead to Game six, though, here are a couple things from Game five to review:

• Kendrick Perkins is a beast— while the “Big Three” and Rondo have garnered a lot of attention throughout the season, Perk has not received much recognition until now. "KP43" had 18 points, 16 rebounds and 2 great blocks in last night's win. 

• The Celtics need to run on this Pistons team— Detroit is a better half court team than Boston on both ends of the court. But the “C's” have the fastest ball handler on the court (Rondo), the best three-point shooter on the court (Ray Allen) and the most athletic big man (Kevin Garnett). As seen last night, when the Celtics run the fast break, Rondo is very adept at finding Allen in rhythm for three point daggers. Also, KG has had quite a few fast break dunks that get himself and his teammates fired up. He just better make sure Jason Maxiell is not in the area.

   

• Detroit's physical style of defense bothered the Celtics— when Detroit picked up the defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, they absolutely smothered the Celtics' offense. They trapped hard on every single pick and roll Boston ran, which forced too many turnovers for Boston. That being said, Detroit gets away with a lot of hand-checks (and hip-checks). Boston will have to be aggressive right back at the Pistons and force the referees to make some calls in Game Six.

   

• Also, a note to Paul Pierce: Quit turning your back on the defense when you know the trap is coming! Square up to the basket and pass the ball quickly before they force you into ANOTHER turnover. "You're killing me Petey!" as one coach might say.

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