If the Celtics ain’t in Boston, Toto, they just can’t win a game.  So strange for the team with the best road record in the NBA this season.  Thankfully, for Celtics fans, the Green team has home court advantage throughout the playoffs.  And they really needed it today to finally put the Cleveland Cavaliers away in the Eastern Conference semifinals.  The Celtics won 97-92.

In yet another Celtics playoff series this season, it was all tied up 3-3 after 6 games (OK, it’s only been two series’, but it seems like a lot more).  Cleveland winning the three games on their home court and Boston winning three games on its home court.  The decisive seventh game, played in Boston, was a nail-biter, especially at the end when the Cavaliers trailed the Celts by just a single point with just 1:40 to go.

The reason for the close contest was clear - superhuman efforts by each team’s season stats leaders.  LeBron James was incredible and could have hardly done much more for his team.  He had 45 points and 6 assists.  Paul Pierce almost matched him, though, with 41 points and 5 assists.  A great game and a great series.

Eventually, the Celtics are going to get beaten on their home parquet.  What do I know about coaching basketball, but it seems to me that figuring out how to take one or two on the road might be a good idea.

Now, on to Detroit.  Actually, the Detroit Pistons come to Boston (thankfully) on Tuesday for game 1 of the Eastern Conference championship.

Related posts:

1. It’s a Good Thing the Celtics Have Home Court Advantage
2. Celtics Finish Season with Best Record in the NBA
3. Boston Beats the Crap Out of L.A. to Take the NBA Championship