Don't overlook this team when the lights shine brightest. Health-willing, the Celtics will go as far as their floor spacing lets them. Playoff time it's the Rondo, KG, and Pierce show. We need Bass, Terry, Avery, and Lee to make shots when it's their time. That's it.
Think about that. We have KG, Pierce, and Rondo. Who else do you want to go to war with? If they have their legs under them, they will die in the playoffs if they have to.
If Brandon Bass gets straight, it doesn't even matter if this bench figures out how to play (they probably won't).
Yes our defense has sucked. Yes, we haven't been instigators, we've been retaliators. Yes, our bench has atrocious toughness. Yes, Rondo is barely trying on defense. Yes, Pierce doesn't get the extra step/lift he needs unless his juices are flowing.
All of these things don't matter. Once the adrenaline is rushing, the team will unify, and those problems will be solved.
The Celtics have more warriors on their team than any other playoff team. Never stop believing in this team. Never be a prisoner of the moment.
Never underestimate the heart of a champion.