Game Five of the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference finals ended with a 106 – 102 win for the Boston Celtics, who now lead the series with 3 – 2 against the Detroit Pistons.

Kevin Garnett led his team with 33 points, scoring 11 of his 17 shots from the field and 10 out of 12 from the line, also adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists and one steal. His two main wing-men were Ray Allen with his best effort in the postseason of 29 points and Kendrick Perkins with his career playoff high of 18 points and 16 rebounds. Other players with a significant contribution to the win were Paul Pierce with his 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, and Rajon Rondo with 7 points and 13 assists.

23-year-old Perkins had a huge contribution to the win and explained after the game that he was going to give it all on the court for himself, his teammates and the fans. Celtics forward P.J. Brown sais he strongly believes that if Perkins continues in a similar manner they will be a tough team to beat.

For the Pistons, Chauncey Billups scored 26 points and Richard Hamilton had 25 points in the game, with 6 assists each. Rasheed Wallace had 18 points but only 4 rebounds, Rodney Stuckey with 13 points and Tayshaun Prince with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Boston Celtics are just one game away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1987.