This was a game with playoff implications, and the Boston Celtics made sure that they not only took care of business on their home court, but that they also let the Philadelphia 76ers know that the road to the Atlantic Division crown goes through the TD Garden. Boston now has a three game lead over the Sixers and the resurgent New York Knicks in the division, which keeps them out of the dreaded 7-8 seed and away from Chicago and Miami in the first round of the playoffs.
It can’t be understated how good a job Doc Rivers has done with this group of Celtics. They’ve now won for the 7th time in the last nine games, and they’re doing it with while playing through a ton of adversity. And what does this say about Danny Ainge? He was criticized for standing pat at the trade deadline, and the Celtics are rewarding him for his judgement. Tuesday will bring another test, this time a road tilt with the Miami Heat, so we’ll see where things stand after that game is over.
For now, savor the job Rivers’ team did on the Sixers. Gotta love these Celtics.