The Boston Celtics love when the critics doubt them. Tuesday night, they played with the heart of a champion, beating the Miami Heat in South Beach by the score of 94-90.

Kevin Garnett was a monster, scoring 26 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce struggled with his shot, but still managed 19 points, including 3 big ones (pictured left) in the last minute of regulation when he was being guarded by LeBron James.

"I saw him (James) back up. He gave me a step," explained Pierce about his huge 3 pointer. "The shot clock was winding down and I just took the shot...I thought that was the best shot for us."

When the shot went in, it gave the Celtics a 4 point lead with 50 seconds left.

Rajon Rondo finished with a game-high 13 assists. Ray Allen and Michael Pietrus each scored 13 for Boston. Pietrus made some clutch shots in the 4th quarter.

"I knew I could take a shot and make it," said a confident Pietrus. "It's up to us to go home and close it out."

Boston is now one win away from the NBA finals. They get a chance to do it on their home floor this Thursday night.

The heat is now squarely on the Heat as they face elimination on the road.

LeBron James scored 30, while his All-Star teammate Dwyane Wade scored 27. Miami got no more than 9 from anyone else. However, fellow All-Star Chris Bosh returned from an abominal strain and scored 9 and pulled down 7 boards in only 14 minutes on the floor. He appeared to be swift and healthy. Members of the media questioned Miami coach Erik Spoelstra why Bosh didn't play more minutes, in particular in the 4th quarter with the game on the line.

"I didn't think it would necessairly be fair to him, "said Spoelstra. "I thought he gave us good minutes...His energy and everything was good."

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 Bosh (pictured left guarding Garnett) was asked the same questions from the media.

"I definitely had more to give, "said Bosh. "I just tried to be a good teammate for the guys out there."

Miami will need more minutes from Bosh, and more production from anyone not named James or Wade if they want to return home for a Game 7.

Tip-off Thursday night is set for 7:30

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