Celts Hope to Avoid Repeat of Last Season

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) – The last time the Boston Celtics held a

3-2 lead in a playoff series, they lost the next two games and were

eliminated by Orlando last year.

But Kevin Garnett missed those playoffs with a knee injury. Now

he's much healthier and playing some of his best basketball of the

season as the Celtics head into Game 6 at home on Thursday night

with a chance to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Garnett is averaging 18.2 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds in

the best-of-seven series. He's also providing his usual vocal

leadership and directing a defense that held LeBron James to one of

his worst playoff performances in Tuesday night's 120-88 Boston

win.

Glen Davis, who replaced Garnett in last year's playoffs, says

after a brief practice Wednesday that Garnett can carry a team with

his actions.