"This week's two-game sweep of Orlando was like an adventure-filled holiday, designed for the Celtics as a break from their previous misery.

Last night was different. Indiana represented the chance for serious follow-up -- something the C's hadn't demonstrated this season.

Though the Pacers already had two easy wins against the Celtics to their credit this season, the opponent was a changed team last night.

The Celtics may have proved something to themselves, as well as the rest of the league, with last night's 94-87 win against the Pacers – their fourth straight, and their third straight against a playoff quality team.

Paul Pierce, with a 14-point third quarter that easily ranked as his best of the early season, took over every aspect of the game with a 26-point, 10-rebound, eight-assist near-triple double that also included three steals, two blocks, and, in the other column, six turnovers."