Herald Paul Pierce, Celtics get last word on LeBron James, Cavaliers Paul Pierce, LeBron James stir memories of 88 FL's Take: I watched that '88 game 7 this morning and what a game. Truly a classic as was last night's game. P.J. Brown provides blast from past in 4th FL's Take: Who would have thought that PJ Brown would be the hero of the game. The difference between Pierce's performance and LeBron's was that when it mattered, Pierce's teammates showed up and LeBron's didn't.  read more »

Herald Paul Pierce gets pumped to share King James court Keys to the Celtics-Cavaliers series Round 2: How Celtics match up with Cavaliers Celtics make pressure point FL's Take: Defense will once again be the key to the Celtics winning this series. If they play the great team defense that got them here, they will win. James Posey has guard up FL's Take: Posey is a key. His defense off the bench on players like Varejao and LeBron will be huge. Let's not forget that the Cavs very much wanted Posey before he signed with the Celtics and made him an offer. I am very glad he came to Boston. Will Hawks coach return after leading Atlanta to playoffs?  read more »

Herald Celtics guard concerns Celtics Garden dominance even more critical now FL's Take: The Pistons have proved they can win on the road in both series. The Celtics have struggled on the road and so need to take care of home court even more in this series. Balls bounce a very different way FL's Take: It is so nice not having to watch the lottery with fingers crossed and hoping for that high draft pick. I haven't given the lottery or draft a second thought this season and it feels good.  read more »

Herald Celtics lose homecourt, series lead Pistons steal home Light finally on for Ray FL's Take: I was so happy to see Ray finally hit some jumpers and you could just see the confidence surging back after that first one. Hopefully he will bring that confidence to Detroit. They will need him to score in those games. Defense rests in defeat FL's Take: The defense completely broke down for stretches, especially in the 4th quarter. The Celtics have to keep up their defensive intensity because the Pistons sure will. Big Baby Glen Davis grows up in first postseason Chauncey Billups, Rodney Stuckey stand guard over Pistons Dave Cowens: Big Red is Green no more Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups: A special twosome Garnett scores TV commercial deal with Verizon Celtics shoot to raise ticket costs FL's Take: Ahhhhh the price of success.  read more »

Herald Celtics start loud, quiet crowd, silence Pistons in Detroit FL's Take: I have said from the beginning that if they Celtics play their game they6 are tough to beat. In all of their losses, the Celtics didn't play defense like they are capable of and last night they showed just how tough they are when they bring their A game. Whats up with Chauncey Billups?  read more »

Herald Wait lifted from Celtics No slippage with Rajon Rondo FL's Take: Rondo was awesome in his playoff debut. It seems as though right from the beginning, people were questioning Rondo and he has answered every question emphatically. Celtics return playoff aura to Garden Celtics crowd pumps up volume FL's Take: Hopefully, the Celtics can get just as pumped up playing on the other teams courts. I know we have home court advantage and don't have to win on the road, but it sure would be nice to close out series early by winning in their buildings.  read more »

Herald C's handle their business History by the numbers Can't wait for the playoffs FL's Take: Like everyone else, I am excited for the playoffs. It has been so long since I was able to look forward to more games after the regular season. But, I am also savoring every single game of the regular season. I watch and re-watch every game. Knowing that we are going into the post season with more games coming is just the icing on the cake. KG in Rivers' corner FL's Take: I think Doc has done a great job this season. I think he is similar to KC Jones in a lot of ways in that he is the right coach for this mix of veterans and young players.  read more »

Herald Cs go through motions, gear up for postseason Prophetic Pierce knew better days were here Talk of Doc extension put on hold Knicks coach Thomas philosophical before season finale Cs start playoffs Sunday Globe Appreciation abounds; Celtics finish in style Confident Hawks begin by talking a good game Various articles on last night's game MetroWest Daily Celtics' playoff drive set to begin CelticsBlog First round fun Eastern style NBA previews review: Southeast and Pacific The regular season is over LOY's Place Comments from the other side - Nets Celtics finish the season with 66 wins - Bring on the playoffs ESPN A playoff guide to each team's biggest drama Simmons: NBA MVP breakdown  read more »

I headed out to The Palace Wednesday afternoon in one of the worst snowstorms to hit the area all winter. Under normal circumstances I might not have left the comforts of my home on such a day, but this trip to the Palace was extra special for me. I was going to meet the Winners of The Ultimate Pistons Fan Contest for the game and a whole lot more.

Unfortunately because of the weather a couple of the winners couldn't quite make it all the way out to The Palace, especially considering they were coming from Canada and Muskegon. Now we all love the Pistons but risking your life to watch the The Heat game is another thing.

Once we all arrived safely, we set off for an a journey that none of us expected. I don't know how many of you have been to The Palace and had a chance to soak in the Piston experience, but if you have you know just how special it can be. This my friends, spoiled anything short of another Championship for me.  read more »