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Celts Stake Claim as East's Best

Boston pulls away late to clinch playoff spot, gain ground over rival Detroit in 90-78 win

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Mar 5, 2008 10:10 PM CST
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(Newser) – The Celtics became the first NBA team this season to clinch a playoff spot and gained a tiebreaker against their closest rivals—all in a 90-78 win over the Pistons. Detroit went down 17-3 early, clawed their way back to 78-77 after a Richard Hamilton three following a technical foul on the Celtics' Tony Allen, but then permitted a game-ending 12-1 run by Boston.

The win gives Boston a virtual five-game lead over Detroit in the hunt for playoff home-court advantage, and it was hard-earned; Allen was one of two Celtics to earn a technical foul, and their opponents had another. Kendrick Perkins set a personal mark with 20 rebounds, and Kevin Garnett led all scorers with 31 points. Chauncy Billups and Rasheed Wallace had 23 apiece for Detroit.

Detroit Pistons' Chauncey Billups, center, dribbles through the defense of Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo (9) and Kendrick Perkins during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Detroit Pistons' Chauncey Billups, center, dribbles through the defense of Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo (9) and Kendrick Perkins during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday,...   (Associated Press)
Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett gestures to the crowd as he celebrates late in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. The Celtics beat the Pistons 90-78. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett gestures to the crowd as he celebrates late in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. The Celtics...   (Associated Press)
Detroit Pistons' Rasheed Wallace (36) moves teammate Chauncey Billups away from the referee during the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. The Celtics beat the Pistons 90-78. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Detroit Pistons' Rasheed Wallace (36) moves teammate Chauncey Billups away from the referee during the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Boston, Wednesday, March...   (Associated Press)
Detroit Pistons' Chauncey Billups, right, loses control of the ball and is fouled as he drives against Boston Celtics' Ray Allen during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. The Celtics beat the Pistons 90-78. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Detroit Pistons' Chauncey Billups, right, loses control of the ball and is fouled as he drives against Boston Celtics' Ray Allen during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday,...   (Associated Press)
Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins (43) goes up for a layup against Detroit Pistons' Antonio McDyess (24) during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins (43) goes up for a layup against Detroit Pistons' Antonio McDyess (24) during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP...   (Associated Press)
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NBA • basketball • Detroit Pistons • Kevin Garnett • Boston Celtics • Chauncey Billups • Rasheed Wallace • Kendrick Perkins

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