Where the Bandwagon Happens

This one isn't for Dave Svens.

Before I get going here, a note: I've been on the bandwagon for a long time. My only evidence: Flip through some posts from last winter, when I was writing about the Celtics even when they were totally irrelevant. I do care. I do.

Now, here we go.

Hop on board, fan. There's plenty of room on the Celtics bandwagon. They're 7-0. In a week, they could have a record as good as the Patriots.

I came into the season pegging the Celts over/under win total at 50.5. I'm confident right now it will be higher than that. And I'm also excited about this team's playoff possibilities.

Here's why. Simply, seven games in, they are already playing like a cohesive team. They play good defense (last night a great example). They move the ball very well on offense, and they share the ball. So far, all the happy talk from the Pierce-Allen-Garnett trio (I won't use that term that you might see in other places. There was only one of those. Viva El Birdie) has been proven on the court. Will it last? Really, why not.

One last thing: Kevin Garnett is absolute beast. A force of nature. If nothing else, watch the Celts to watch him. He's not Pedro in 1999 or Ortiz in 2004, but if he gets this team to the Finals, that might have to be reconsidered. He's that good, that motivated, that amazing to watch.

Beyond the bench (which has played quite well so far, thank you) and the point guard (who's hanging in), the biggest question going into this year was whether or not the Pierce-Allen-Garnett trio would be able to put aside their all-star resumes and play together. So far, so very good. There's a little bit of desperation in these three -- all in their 30s, with their last chance to make It happen. They won't go 82-0, but if Doc Rivers doesn't wear them out in the regular season, these three have the potential to make a run into June.

Last night's game was an excellent sign of this team's future. It was the second night of back-to-backs, and it was against a New Jersey team that was probably itching for a win after losing to the C's at home on Saturday. The first half was ugly, but in the second half, the Celts won mainly with defense. How many games in the last five years have the Celts won mainly with defense. And not just lock-down defense, but a steals-and-turnover defense that led to some easy hoops and a couple of nice trailer threes. Good stuff.

That first Jersey win was also impressive. Any time you beat a playoff contender on the road on the back end of a back-to-back, that's impressive.

The Celts still need to some proving. I'd like to see how they handle the Texas trip (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas might be the toughest three-game stretch in the league), a tough week or two, and certainly watch to make sure Rivers doesn't wear the three big guys out.

But right now is the time to get board the Celtics bandwagon. Not only good, but entertaining. Now, if only Comcast would start televising road games in HD, we'd be all set (another rant at another time).

Speaking of bandwagons and HD, you really should be watching "Dirty Sexy Money" (ABC, Wednesdays at 10). I started this one from the beginning, and was worried after a couple of episodes that it would be this year's "Studio 60." Great potential, but completely not living up to the potential.

Potential acheived.

Great characters, good story lines, and charming humor that is, well, darling (ha, ha. If you watch it, you get it).

This show is in some trouble, because it's got only four or five episodes left due to the writers' strike. It's not exactly a ratings blockbuster (why do I pick these great shows no one watches), and whatever steam it's building is likely to get doused by this strike.

So, figure out a way to watch it. I'm guessing abc.com has some episodes available on line. The last two episodes are currently available. That should be plenty to get you going. I'll answer whatever other questions you might have. Well worth the watch.

And while we're that it, watch "Friday Night Lights." It's all part of being a good citizen.