Celtics defeat Pistons to reach 2008 NBA Finals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated May 30, 2026
On June 17, 2008, the Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons 89-81 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This victory marked the Celtics' return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. The win was crucial for Boston, which had been seeking to reclaim its championship status. The Celtics went on to compete in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, igniting a storied rivalry.
- •Celtics win 89-81 in Game 6 against the Pistons.
- •Boston reaches the NBA Finals for the first time in 21 years.
- •Game was played on June 17, 2008.
- •Celtics faced the Lakers in the Finals.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Today in Boston Celtics history: Pistons defeated, advance to first NBA Finals since '87
"Today in Celtics history, the team defeated the Pistons 89-81 in Game 6 of the 2008 East Finals, securing their first NBA Finals trip since 1987.
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