Tayshaun Prince scored 20 points and Detroit's defense came up big Sunday as the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 79-61 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the deciding Game 7 of their semifinal series at the Palace of Auburn Hills, MI.

The Pistons will now play the well-rested Miami Heat for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Both begin their first game on Tuesday at Auburn Hills,

Detroit established defensive pressure and intensity from the game's outset, while Cleveland shot 30.8 percent by the final buzzer.

Richard Hamilton donated 15 points, Chauncey Billups tallied 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Rasheed Wallace recorded 13 points and eight boards. Detroit out rebounded Cleveland, 48-36, and pulled down 13 offensive boards, four more than their opponent's.

LeBron James scored 21 first-half points for Cleveland, but was held to six points in the face of constant double teams in the final 24 minutes.

The 21-year-old star received little support from his teammates, as guard Larry Hughes was the only other player in double figures with 10 points.

Editor: Donald