Celtics escape to East Finals

The Celtics are back in the conference finals for the first time since 2002 and will host second seeded Detroit Pistons in Game One Tuesday.Pierce and LeBron James engaged in a stirring duel as the Cavaliers looked to become the first team in history to rally from a 3-2 series deficit and beat Boston.Pierce finished 13-of-23 from the floor and hit four-of-six three-pointers, while James pushed the Celtics all the way as he sandwiched three-pointers around a basket by Pierce to pull Cleveland within 83-80 with 5:42 to play.The Cavaliers, who never led in the game, got within 89-88 on a steal and dunk by James with 2:20 remaining - their last points for over two minutes.But PJ Brown, who was in retirement before Boston signed him after the trade deadline, buried an 18-footer with 1:21 to play, then forced an airball by James with 25 seconds left.