Kevin Garnett led the Boston Celtics to their first win on the road in the playoffs on Saturday, beating the Detroit Pistons 94-80 at Auburn Hills, Michigan, to take a 2-1 series lead in the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference finals.

Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (center) collides with Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (left) as he passes to Tayshaun Prince in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Auburn Hills.

Garnett scored 22 points, and had plenty of help. He was one of six players to make the Celtics' first six baskets, helping them build the first of many big leads en route to victory.

The NBA's top-seeded team had lost its first six road games -- tying a league record -- and was 9-0 at home until losing to Detroit in the previous game.

"We took care of business, getting our first win on the road," Garnett said.

The Pistons will host Game 4 on Monday. "They got home court back," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. "Monday is a crucial game for us - the biggest of the year."

Detroit rallied to pull within 87-78 but couldn't get closer in a game in which it trailed by 24 points.