"I see why Doc loves his team."
That's what I said at the end of the ESPN telecast of one of the most exciting games of the year, the Boston Celtics' 112-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston coach Doc Rivers was exultant after the game, and for good reason.
And here's the main one:
For the Celtics, the future looks good.
Why do things look so bright for the Celtic green?
First and foremost, Paul Pierce is everything you want in a superstar. At 28, he's become a mature ballplayer. Unlike earlier in his career, he doesn't have to dominate the ball to succeed. His decision-making is quicker, and he's a more efficient player.
Along with that, Pierce has become an amazing leader. He's doing a great job of showing the way for his team. Your superstar has to be willing to work hard, to lead with his actions and to sacrifice at times, and Pierce does all that. His 39 points were only part of what he brought to the floor on Sunday.
Then you have the young players.
The maturity of Delonte West is impressive as he learns how to run the offense. His 19 points and 10 assists (for his first double-digit assist game) demonstrated the strides he's made in his second season.
Likewise, rookie Ryan Gomes has found himself lately, carving out a niche as an all-around hustle player and rebounder. His 39 boards, including 17 offensive rebounds, in the last three games are a testament to his hard work and knowledge of how to play the game, and his big tip-in was a decisive play in the last minute on Sunday. Since Gomes joined the starting lineup about two weeks ago, the Celtics are 5-2.
Furthermore, they're 3-1 on this Western road trip, and most impressive of all, they're doing this without their two young studs, Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
And that tells me that they're becoming a team that you're going to have to deal with pretty soon in the Eastern Conference, and especially in the Atlantic Division.
The New Jersey Nets aren't getting any younger, or better. Likewise the Philadelphia 76ers, who are getting disappointing production from their young players for the most part.
I don't see the Celtics as ready to challenge the elite teams in the conference, but I do think they'll challenge for the playoffs in the next year or two, and they can't be counted out this year yet.
That's not to say they don't have weaknesses. Right now they don't really have a two guard to speak of, because Pierce and Wally Szczerbiak are small forwards. They've still got a lot to learn about how to shut down the other team, and they've got to get more mature in a number of ways.
But I see that happening, because Doc and the Celtics have done a great job of creating the right environment for winning. I'm thoroughly impressed with Doc's approach, and with that of the rest of the organization as well as the players.
They work hard, and they don't seem to have any locker room issues. On Sunday they played with poise, showing a good understanding of how to win.
None of those things are a given for a team, especially a young team.
Everyone I've talked to with the Celtics is very optimistic. On Sunday, and on this entire road trip, they've showed me why.
