Captain Second Half

Paul Pierce was virtually shut out in the first half of the Celtics 104-98 win over the "most mis-named franchise in NBA history" in Utah. He came alive in the second half, finishing with 24 points and 6 boards (one a key grab at the end) to solidify the victory.

It was just the Big Two in the first half, with Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo contributing big once again.

But it was the un-sung defensive intensity of this squad (particularly Garnett and Perkins) that ultimately stopped the Jazz comeback wave. Red would be very proud to know that this resurgent Celtics team is built as much on solid defense as lights out offense. Onto to La-La Land and the perennially overrated Lakers.