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Celtics reach Finals after Game Six win over Magic
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-29 13:46
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BOSTON - The Boston Celtics booked their place in the NBA Finals by beating the Orlando Magic 96-84 on Friday to win the Eastern Conference championship series 4-2.
Sparked by the spirited play of lightning-quick point guard Rajon Rondo, the Celtics took a 30-19 lead on the back of a 13-3 run at the end of the first quarter.
Rondo was hurt after crashing to the floor following a hard foul by Jason Williams, but diminutive Nate Robinson took over in the second quarter and further fueled the Celts.
The 5-foot-9 (1.75m) Robinson, who scarcely played and scored six points total in the first five games, scored 13 points in the second quarter and whipped the TD Garden crowd to a frenzy by waving his arms to command more noise.
Boston built a 21-point lead during the second quarter at 46-25, though a late Magic spurt keyed by Vince Carter closed the gap to 55-42 at halftime.
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen helped increase the lead to as much as 24 points in the third quarter and Boston coasted home.
Pierce led Boston with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Dwight Howard scored 28 points and pulled down 12 boards to pace the Magic.
The Celtics, whose 17 NBA titles lead all franchises, topped arch-rival Lakers in their last trip to the finals.
Defending champions Los Angeles lead the Suns in their best-of-seven series 3-2, with Game Six in Phoenix on Saturday.
