Here are some random thoughts from tonight’s Game 5:

– I disagree with those that complain about how the Boston/Detroit series isn’t as compelling as the Lakers/Spurs. On the whole, the crowds are louder and the games are closer.

– It was nice to see Ray Allen break out of his shooting slump. He is one of the all-time best shooters the league has ever seen and it would be a shame if an extended playoff slump late in his career was for what he was most remembered.

– There was a funny play late in the second quarter. Rodney Stuckey was trapped by Kevin Garnett and another player and Stuckey ended up on his butt. They did a close up of Stuckey sitting on the floor, grinning and looking up at Garnett, who did not offer him hand. After a few seconds, Stuckey started to get up and grabbed Garnett’s shorts to give himself some leverage, and as the game went to commercial, you could see Garnett’s arm coming down to slap Stuckey’s hand away. That’s kind of a goofy move by the rookie, but I like it given all of KG’s post-whistle antics (like going up to block any shot that an opponent takes after the whistle). Rajon Rondo has gotten a ton of press this season, but I’d rather have Stuckey. He knocked down five of six free throws and a HUGE three pointer in crunch time.

– I like Kendrick Perkins’ effort and production, but I can do without all of the showboating. On every good play he made, it seemed if he had to give some sort of swagger or extra gesture. Of course, the tech at the end of the game didn’t help, either. Act like you’ve been there before.

– It’s time for Sam Cassell to retire.

– I guess I still want to see a Lakers/Celtics final, but the Pistons are the better team. Sometimes Boston looks like one of those YMCA All-Star pickup teams that happen at random. They don’t have a whole lot of cohesiveness or chemistry, but they manage to will themselves to a few wins in a row. The Pistons are better-coached and they play together. Their only problem is motivation, but I think that Detroit actually has the better chance of beating the Lakers.