With all of the key players and newcomers having logged lots of playoff time by now, the Celtics believe they will be much more mentally prepared for anything that comes their way. "We know what to expect," Ray Allen said. "We know it's going up a notch. We know both sides of the ball will require an intense amount of focus. "We had so many young guys last year that were important to our success, that feeling was great as far as beating Detroit. They didn't think our guys would hold up on the road in foul situations, and they didn't know what to expect. I think now, we know what to expect." Boston Globe
Asked if he were confident that Garnett would be a positive factor in the postseason, Pierce said, "I'm very confident. I'm confident that even if KG's not 100 percent, [he'll contribute] just by his presence on the floor." There are many valid reasons why the odds are against the Celtics repeating. But the champs haven't lost their swagger in the least. They believe they will have the last laugh. "I don't think, even without us healthy, that anyone can beat us four times," Rondo said. Boston Globe
