Wed May 14 23:05:04 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Celts push Cavs to brink of elimination

---

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Paul Pierce scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and hit some clutch free throws down the stretch as the Boston Celtics rebounded from an early 14-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 96-89, and move within one win of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.

Kevin Garnett scored 26 points and raked in 16 rebounds for the Celtics, who won again at home and lead this conference semifinal series three games to two. Game 6 is slated for Friday in Cleveland.

Rajon Rondo had 20 points and 13 assists for Boston, which has yet to win on the road in the postseason, but has won seven straight at home, where it was 35-6 during the regular season.

LeBron James scored 35 points, but only had two points in the third quarter when the Celtics pulled away. Delonte West added 21 points for the Cavs, who shot a miserable 3-of-16 from behind the arc (18.8 percent) and 28-of-41 from the free-throw line (68.3 percent).