Get on your feet and give Kevin Garnett a big round of applause. Clap until your hands are throbbing, he deserves that and a lot more. After 12 frustrating years of first-round eliminations the "Big Ticket" is going to get his shot at a championship.

Raise your glass and toast to Paul Pierce.

Celtics' fans treated him like garbage last season, but he never let it stop him from giving a maximum effort, every game. He suffered many long nights in Boston. He's earned this moment and the next ones coming.

It doesn't matter if you're a fan of the Celtics, you have to give them all credit for taking care of business. It wasn't pretty, but an ugly Eastern Conference championship is better than a pretty loss.

You should also take a minute to tip your cap to the Pistons; they're a hell of a team, but they aren't a special team and the guys hoisting the trophy right now are very special.

Now we're going to be treated to this decade's version of the Lakers vs. Celtics, a series that should be a treat. Before we get there let's look at HOOPSWORLD'S stars of Game 6.

Kevin Garnett

His Game 6 numbers weren't the best, but when the C's needed a play late in the game Garnett delivered. His energy and clutch baskets led the Celtics back after they fell behind 10 points late in the game.

Once again he got the best of Rasheed Wallace and that made a huge difference in the game. This was the biggest game of Garnett's career and he came through like a champ.

Paul Pierce

Pierce played big for the Celtics tonight.

He played big on the defensive end of the floor, shutting Tayshaun Prince down, and scored 27 points in 43 minutes of work.

His defense on Prince in the series was incredible. Not many people knew he could be so good on the defensive end of the floor.

Richard Hamilton

Hamilton played a very good game, considering he was playing injured. His 21-point performance had the Pistons close to extending the series.

He did a great job of silencing his critics during this year's playoffs, proving that he is truly an All-Star, not just a guy that plays in a system favoring his game.

His team lost the series, but he won the individual duel with the more talented Ray Allen.