Today in Boston Celtics history, the storied franchise defeated the Detroit Pistons 89-81 in Game 6 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals, securing their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1987 while Hall of Fame forward Larry Bird was still on the team. The Celtics faced their longtime rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, on their path to capturing their 17th championship banner.
The Celtics ultimately prevailed vs. the Pistons, driven by their future Hall of Fame trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Pierce led the team with 27 points and 8 rebounds, while Allen chipped in another 17 points, and the Big Ticket added another 16 points and 6 rebounds. Despite Detroit holding a lead of up to 10 points in the final quarter, they were unable to maintain it. The loss in Game 6 marked the Pistons’ third consecutive exit in the conference finals.
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“It’s kind of surreal,” Garnett said via ESPN. “Probably hasn’t even hit me yet because we haven’t slept in about four days, going on five days now. Going to the finals, I’m just hoping to get some sleep.”
AUBURN HILLS, MI – MAY 30: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense against Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on May 30, 2008 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Historic milestones
It is also the anniversary of the Celtics beating the Pistons, 79-78, in a Game 4 squeaker of the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals, which Detroit won in six games. Boston stole that win with Larry Bird going for 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Dennis Johnson logged 18 points and 6 assists. Kevin McHale added 15 points and 5 boards, and Robert Parish 13 points and 9 rebounds to secure the narrow win.
1988: Detroit Pistons forward Adrian Dantley guards Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird during game at Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport
Oddly, the Celtics also beat the Pistons today in 1987, 117-114 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals via an epic performance by Bird. The Hick from French Lick logged 37 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists to carry the team. McHale added 22 points and 10 boards. Johnson contributed 18 points and 11 assists, while Danny Ainge put up 18 points of his own. The Celtics advanced to face the Lakers yet again in the finals.
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Gone too soon
Finally, it is also the day we lost forward Ed Stanczak in 2004. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, he joined the (defunct) Anderson Packers of the competing (and later absorbed) National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949.
Mar 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen on the court before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Stanczak was drafted by the Celtics in the Packers dispersal draft after that team went under. He played just 19 games for Boston and averaging 3.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game over that stretch. Rest in peace.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Pistons defeated, advance to first NBA Finals since ’87