Time is running out for the Boston Celtics.
They now face possible elimination after holding a 3-2 lead in the series, and had a chance to finish it at home in their own arena.
The Celtics now head to Miami, where they will play a decisive Game 7.
The key to victory will be in the hands of Paul Pierce. Similar to the way LeBron James carried the Miami Heat on his back, the Celtics need Pierce to piggy them into the Finals.
When the Celtics have won in this series, Pierce has averaged a little over 21 points. In loses he has averaged just 14 points.
You know who elase has averaged 14 points in the NBA during the regular season? Luol Deng and Mike Conley.
When Paul Pierce does not score, the chances of the Celtics winning diminish greatly and he becomes an ordinary player.
No offense to Deng and Conley, they are not bad players, but Pierce is better than them and definitely more experienced in the playoffs
The Pierce that has competed in the playoffs in the recent past has cut to the basket, drawing fouls and trips to the foul line.
The Celtics have to take advantage of the stars they possess now. The "Big 3" era in Boston will soon come to a close.
Rajon Rondo has provided the fire and youth the Celtics have needed to contend, now the veterans have to step up in order for the team to qualify for the Finals.
Rondo can keep doing his thing and Garnett can score like he has throughout the playoffs, but Pierce will have to shoot better than the 33 percent he is averaging now.
