DETROIT (Reuters) - The Boston Celtics cruised to a 94-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

The Celtics scored the game's first 11 points and, after falling behind by two, used a 10-0 run late in the first period to take command and secure their first road win of the playoffs.

Detroit rallied to within nine points late in the game after trailing by 24 in the third quarter.

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Richard Hamilton scored 26 points for Detroit.

Game Four is in Detroit on Monday.

(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Ed Osmond)