Superstar bigman Howard was the best player on both ends for Orlando. He finished the game with 23 points, 22 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Rashard Lewis chipped in with 20 points and six rebounds, while Hedo Turkoglu hit a big three-pointer late in the game to put the Magic up for good.

The Celtics seemed tired as they faded down the stretch. Rajon Rondo had 19 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and four steals but he had a three-pointer blocked that ended Boston’s hopes. The only other players in double figures were Paul Pierce with 17 and Kendrick Perkins with 15. Ray Allen had just five points in 42 minutes while connecting on 2-of-11 shots from the field.

Game 7 will be played in Boston. In their history, the Celtics are 17-3 in Game 7 contests played in Boston. The game will begin at 8 PM EST on Sunday.

Superman will try to rescue a win in Game for Orlando (Image: Newscom)

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Magic Lock Down Celtics, Force Game 7

In front of his home fans, Ray Allen was once again great. He led the way with 23 points and also had seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot. In Game 6, Allen poured in 51 points. Helping him out in Game 7 in the scoring department were Paul Pierce (20 points), Eddie House (16 points), Glen Davis (15 points) and Kendrick Perkins (14 points).

For the Bulls, who were an underdog in this series despite the fact that the Celtics have been playing without Kevin Garnett, were led once again by Ben Gordon. In 46 minutes, Gordon had 33 points and four assists. Rookie phenom Derrick Rose had 18 points, while Kirk Hinrich had 16 points off the bench.

The Bulls now go home, while the Celtics advance to play the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2009 NBA playoffs. The Magic advanced by beating the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.

Derrick Rose's Rookie Seasons was Stopped by the Celtics (Image: Newscom)

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Celtics Beat Bulls in Game 7 to Advance