The Boston Celtics drew first blood against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night with an 88-79 win in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 9 rebounds and Paul Pierce added 22 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for the Celtics, who shot 52% from the floor and turned the ball over just eleven times.

Boston was just 2-for-9 from behind the three-point line, but they used a huge third quarter run (28-17) to grab control of the game at home.

Antonio McDyess posted 14 points and 11 rebounds and Richard Hamilton added 15 points and 6 boards for the Pistons, who hit just 42% of their shots and looked sluggish against the Celtics.

Game Two will be Thursday night in Boston as the Celtics look to take a 2-0 lead in their quest to reach the NBA Finals.