Celtics-Pistons

Tough loss for the Celtics last night. They had a chance to end this series with a definitive statement on the road, yet their bench failed them and the "big three" looked like the "big one" with two veterans who can't seem to shoot.

The good news is that the Lakers now have their hands full with the Spurs, and while they may end up winning in 6, they still have a difficult series in front of them. That means neither the Celtics nor the Lakers (assuming they both win) will have a rest advantage going into the finals like the Lakers have against the Spurs. Both teams will be tired and the team with the most energy remaining may have the deciding factor, should these two teams play for the finals.

But here is what really stood out last night: the Celtics played like shit and the Pistons basically gave them 35 points on the foul line. The Pistons got into serious foul trouble and the Celtics kept the game close until the end of the fourth quarter. Like Game Three, Perkins gave them energy and Rondo kept the Celtics going despite Detroit's onslaught.

Despite poor performances from the "big three," the Celtics still could have won this game on the road. There are a ton of what-ifs here: what if Allen had hit those two free-throws at the end of the game. What if Pierce had a 30-40 point explosion like the Cavs series? What if Allen's shooting didn't suck so badly right now? The Celts would be up 3-1 and going home for two games at the Garden. Series over.

Nonetheless, I won't get down on the Celts for this loss. The Pistons played well and despite crapping their pants, the Celtics still could have won. Now they have two home games and the chance to end this series once and for all.

Let's just hope Allen and Pierce show up next time.