NBA PLAYOFFS : Thomas, Pistons Go to Boston; Hawks Go Home

Isiah Thomas threw off the brace on his right wrist and shot the Atlanta Hawks out of the playoffs.

In his best game since returning from wrist surgery earlier than expected, Thomas scored 26 points and had 11 assists Sunday to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 113-81 romp over the Atlanta Hawks at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The 3-2 series victory kept alive the Pistons’ hopes of winning a third consecutive NBA championship and sent them to Boston to open a best-of-seven series with the Celtics Tuesday night.

While the Pistons came out full of run and ready to roll, the Hawks, after tying the series Thursday night with a strong finish, did what they have done in some of the biggest games in their history. They came out flat.

Detroit took command from the start. With Thomas getting 16 of his points, the Pistons stretched a 14-point, first-quarter lead to 59-42.

Unlike in Game 3 when they trailed by 17 at halftime and won, the Hawks never made a move. After three quarters, the Pistons’ lead was 90-58.

They no longer needed Thomas, their captain and playmaker. He was wearing a wrap on the right wrist, which was fused and gives him no flexibility. He also had his right leg tightly wrapped because of a hamstring injury.

“I thought that was Isiah’s best game since the surgery,” Detroit Coach Chuck Daly said. “He distributed the ball well, was taking it to the basket and dishing off with authority.

“He’s a student of drama. He knows just when to appear on center stage. He’s done it all. He’s been MVP. He’s earned it all.”

In Game 4 on Thursday, Thomas was one for six and scored just five points. He was nine for 15 Sunday.