Atlanta has raised their level but Boston was already playing playoff type ball in the regular season so they don't seem to have that much more to raise.

Boston spent a lot of energy during the game and the Hawks somehow stayed in it. Then, Boston started to tire. Garnet looked tired at the end. Atlanta youth also took Perkins, Big Baby etc. out of it. The Celtics big three are a bit older and have relied on the young players to give them a boost. Rondo was stuffed a few times at the net for example.

This is the first time the Boston defense was exposed...Long term, their odds for a championship just went up a bit...

Historically, Pierce and Garnett and even Allen have not been consistent at the end of games. They played well but not great tonight at the end.

But I give the Celtic team credit, they play hard and at a very good level the whole game.

We have to take care of our own business. Orlando is no chump team anymore...