BEIJING, May 22 -- The Boston Celtics continued their home court mastery in the playoffs with a 88-79 win over the Detroit Pistons in the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals. Boston is a perfect 9-0 in the post-season at home and advanced to the East finals despite being winless on the road in six playoff games in the opening two rounds.

The Celtics once again took advantage of home comforts on Tuesday, getting 26 points and nine rebounds from Kevin Garnett and another 22 from Paul Pierce.

They took control of the game with a strong third quarter after leading by just a point at the half.

Detroit Pistons' Richard Hamilton (32) has his headband pulled down while driving to the hoop on Boston Celtics' P.J. Brown (R) and James Posey (41) during the second quarter of Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference final basketball playoff series in Boston, Massachusetts May 20, 2008

"I thought we had a lot of energy," Garnett told reporters. "We have a goal here, you have to suck it up and be ready to play.

"We've been able to take advantage of teams playing at home, but we had the best record in the regular season and when you get that, you get home games in the playoffs."

Tayshaun Prince led the Pistons with 16 points. Detroit needed just 11 games to advance to the third round while the Celtics were forced to two Game 7 along the way.

"They haven't lost a home game, they should be confident," Detroit's Chauncey Billups said. "They have been a very good team here at home."

【体坛英语资讯：Boston stays hot at home】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears TV wardrobe up for sale

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu feels for Yao but denies extra pressure

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：Serena brushes Schnyder aside for Bangalore Open title

★ 体坛资讯：Bucks draft Yi Jianlian of China

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lily Allen is pregnant

★ 体坛英语资讯：Spurs cruise past McGrady-less Rockets

★ 体坛英语资讯：NBA star Yao marries long-term girlfriend Ye Li

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese-owned Aston Villa sack manager after dismal start in championship

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Demi Moores man talks fashion in essay