(AP) - Someone is going to have to win in Boston to keep the Celtics from winning their 17th NBA title.

Cleveland hopes for one more chance.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 16 rebounds, Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 13 assists, and the Celtics beat the Cavaliers 96-89 on Wednesday night to move within a win of the Eastern Conference finals.

Paul Pierce scored 29 and helped shut down LeBron James for much of the second half to give Boston a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven conference semifinal. James scored 23 of his 35 points in the first half and was mostly quiet in the second before scoring six in the final 3:26 after Boston was well in the lead.

Game 6 is in Cleveland on Friday night, with the deciding game in Boston on Sunday _ if necessary.

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