Garnett, Pierce and Allen unite to approach title NBA dream

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Until Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen united this season with the Boston Celtics, their dreams of a National Basketball Association title appeared doomed to failure.

Garnett advanced past the first round once in 12 years with Minnesota while Allen knew only frustration in 11 total seasons with Seattle and Milwaukee and Pierce spent nine years as the only major threat for the Celtics.

Now this tremendous trio has lifted the Celtics to the verge of their 17th NBA crown, and the first since 1986, with Boston carrying a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers into game five of the best-of-seven NBA Finals here Sunday.

"They play with a lot of passion," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Kevin, Ray and Paul have played a long time for an...