2012 NBA Playoffs

Miami, FL

Kevin Garnett chalked up 26 points and 11 rebounds and Paul Pierce scored 19 points, including a crucial trey down the stretch, and the Boston Celtics grinded out a 94-90 Game 5 victory against the Miami Heat to capture a 3-2 series edge in their Eastern Conference Finals series at American Airlines Arena.

The Celtics came through with a big win in Game 5, leaning on solid defense and clutch shooting from their veterans down the stretch to beat the Heat before a stunned crowd at American Airlines Arena.

Garnett continued to deliver huge numbers in his 17th season, going 11-for-20 from the field and 4-for-6 from the free-throw on his way to another double-double performance.

The Heat jumped on a strong start and led by 13 points early in the second quarter but the season Celtics stuck on their game plan to narrow the deficit down to two points, 42-40, at halftime.

The home once again attempted to pull away with 9-0 run to give 59-50 lead midway into the third period but the Celtics again answered with 15-1 run to take a 65-60 advantage going into the final 12 minutes of Game 5.

The Celtics and Heat traded big shot after big shot down the final minute. However, the biggest play of the game came from Pierce, who drained a cold-hearted trey over the outstretched arm of LeBron James to give the Celtics a four-point lead, 90-86, with 52.9 seconds left.

Wade hit two free-throws and James scored a quick layup to make it at least a single-possession ballgame. Unfortunately for Miami, Ray Allen and Garnett knocked down their free-throws to put the Celtics on a verge of advancing to the NBA finals for the third time in five seasons.

Rajon Rondo shot just 3-for-15 from the field but tallied 13 dimes while Mickael Pietrus added 13 off the bench.

On the other hand, James finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds and Dwyane Wade added 27 points and 6 boards. Chris Bosh scored 9 points and 7 rebounds in his return from a nine-game absence due to abdominal strain but the All-Star forward did not see action in the second half.

The Celtics, who smothered the Heat to just .390 percent shooting, will try to close out the Eastern Conference Finals series in Game 5 Thursday at TD Garden.

 

Garnett Double-Double, Pierce Clutch Trey Lift Celts Over Heat