Better Nate than never from back-up Celt

BOSTON Celtics got a big boost from diminutive back-up Nate Robinson and booked their place in the NBA Finals by beating the Orlando Magic 96-84 on Friday to win the Eastern Conference championship series 4-2.

The Celtics wrapped up the series at the third attempt after winning the first three games, and will now face either Los Angeles or Phoenix in the best-of-seven final.

The seldom-used Robinson took over for injured backcourt ace Rajon Rondo in the second quarter and electrified the crowd by scoring 13 points to help the Celtics break the game open in the second quarter.