The Playoffs Start Now

I was going to write this after the Celtics dispatched the Hawks, because like everyone else, I figured this series would be five games tops, with the Hawks squeaking one out to save a little face.

But everything changed last night, very late in the game, when Al Horford got up in Paul Pierce's face as the Hawks were running away with Game 3. You don't let that happen without some retribution.

For Celtics fans like me who grew up in the 1980s, it's hard not to look back at those mid-80s teams these days. And those teams never, ever, would have put up with that. Horford should probably be careful tomorrow night, and Pierce might go off.

At least, that's what should happen. This is yet another test for this team. They had to prove from opening night that the three stars could play together and succeed. Check. They had to prove they had depth, as GM Danny Ainge cobbled together a bench. Check. They had to prove they could stand up to the better teams in the East. Check. They had to prove they could take on the teams in the West. Check. Rajon Rondo had to prove he could play big-boy ball. (Giant) check. Beyond that, the Hawks took it to the Celts last night. The Celts looked, well, old. They looked slow, frustrated, and confused. That can't happen again.

Now, they have to prove that that playoff dead-eyed killer mentality. They have to make sure that even the slightest insult (and Horford went above "slight") is dealt with with harsh repercussions. They have to send the message that for the next two months, you don't screw with the Boston Celtics.

I figured the playoffs would start in the next round, when the C's would have to wrestle with LeBron James. Al Horford decided last night that the playoffs start now.

By the way, I think I've decided I'll be more fired up about a Celtics title this year than I was for Sox wins in 2007 -- and 2004. That's how much of a Celtics geek I've been the last 25 years or so, and that's how much I want them to win now. So, the playoffs start tomorrow night. It's time to make the Hawks pay.