BOSTON — The Big Three have a big problem: The Detroit Pistons now own the home-court advantage that has meant everything to the Boston Celtics so far in the playoffs.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge for us, because we haven't won a game on the road," Celtics forward Paul Pierce said after Detroit beat Boston 103-97 Thursday night to tie the NBA Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece. "We have no choice now but to get it done."

Richard Hamilton scored 25 and Chauncey Billups had 19 points and seven assists for Detroit to bounce back after struggling in Game 1 and to hand the Celtics their first home loss of the playoffs.

The Pistons host Game 3 Saturday and Game 4 Monday, and with a third potential home date for Game 6 they could finish off the Celtics without having to win another game in Boston.

"We're geeked about getting back to our home court," Hamilton said. "The fans are excited, and now it's our job to take care of home court."

Rasheed Wallace had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit, Antonio McDyess scored 15 and Tayshaun Prince had 14.

Pierce scored 26, Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, who hadn't lost at home in 15 games since March 24. But even while dominating at home they've been blanked on the road, going 0-6 in away games so far in the postseason. No team has reached the finals without a road victory.