In a game that had the feel of an Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 the Detroit Pistons nipped the Boston Celtics, 87-85 when Chauncy Billups knocked down two free throws with 00.1 seconds left on the clock.
Billups got to the line because Cetics captain Paul Pierce missed a fall away jumper with 1.7 seconds left and Rasheed Wallace grabbed the rebound and Detroit called time out allowing them to inbound in the Celtics end. The inbound pass came to Billups at the top of the key who let a jumper go and he was fouled as he shot by Tony Allen. The TD BankNorth Garden crowd groaned as Billups, one of the NBA’s best free throw shooters, went to the line.
The loss snaps a 9 game Boston win streak and 12 game home win streak. In fact, the last home loss was on April 18 to Detroit.
The Green were led by Kevin Garnett who had 26 points and 12 boards, Ray Allen knocked in 24 points and Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 7 helpers.
The Motor City Madmen got 28 points and 8 assists from Billups and former UConn star Richard Hamilton added 21 points, Rasheed Wallace had 13 boards and 9 points.
With the loss the Celtics drop to 20-3 and Detroit improves to 18-7 with the win.
The Celtics entertain the Chicago Bulls Friday night at the TD BankNorth Garden.
