On this day: Celtics send Pistons, Hawks home, advance in ’85, ’12

On this day in 1985, the Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons to advance in the playoffs, and in 2012, they’d do the same to the Atlanta Hawks.

It is also the anniversary of another postseason squeaker, the Celtics beating the Orlando Magic 95-94 in Game 4 of the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Glen Davis hit the winning shot in the game’s final moments, left open for an easy bucket that sealed the contest. “This is really neat,” he said via the Associated Press. “This is my first time, so bear with me.”

“Big Baby” filled in for an injured Kevin Garnett well, logging 21 points and 6 boards, and Paul Pierce led all Celtics with 27 points. Point guard Rajon Rondo added 21 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists.