Pistons bring halt to Miller time

Miller is the 12th-highest scorer in NBA history

Detroit Pistons reached the NBA Eastern Conference finals for the third year in a row after an 88-79 win in Indiana sealed a 4-2 semi-final series win.

The defending champions brought an end to the career of Pacers icon Reggie Miller, who scored 27 points in his final NBA game, after 18 seasons.

The San Antonio Spurs beat Seattle 98-96 for a 4-2 series win to reach the Western Conference finals.

They will play Phoenix or Dallas after Tim Duncan's last-gasp score.

In Indiana, Miller finished by making 11-of-16 shots and four-of-eight three-pointers.

But Detroit's Richard Hamilton scored 20 in the second half as the Pistons reeled off their third straight win.

They will open the Eastern Conference finals on Monday in Miami against the Heat.

We gave it a valiant effort Retiring Pacer Reggie Miller

Miller scored 17 points in the first half and finished an 8-1 run to close it out as the Pacers led 46-39 at half-time.

But Hamilton took over in the third quarter, scoring 11 points to give Detroit the lead for the first time at 62-61.

The Pacers regained a 68-62 lead early in the fourth, but Hamilton highlighted a 9-0 scoring run that proved decisive.

Miller's last points as a professional fittingly came on a three-pointer with 91 seconds left.

Shortly before the game ended, he was taken out, allowing the Indiana fans a chance for the emotional ovation they had kept in check all night.

"We gave it a valiant effort," Miller said. "I thought this was going to be our game."

"For 18 years this has been my second home," he added. "I've grown up here."

In Seattle, Duncan had 26 points and nine rebounds, and the Spurs survived his 6-for-21 shooting to move one step closer to a chance for the franchise's second NBA title in three seasons.

Tony Parker and Robert Horry each had 14 points, while Ginobili scored 13 and Nazr Mohammed added 12.

"It's great to get out of this series," said Duncan, who sealed the win with under a second left.

"This is a great team. They played a great series, and we're happy to get out of here with a win."