Celtics Clinch NBA Playoff Spot

It's been quite the reversal of fortunes for the Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season. After being in the Eastern Conference basement last year, the Celtics added serious star power with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Combined with longtime Celtic all-star Paul Pierce the trio with their supporting cast has already clinched a playoff spot this year, making them the 1st NBA team to do so.

From The Sports Network:

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Kevin Garnett scored 31 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Boston Celtics became the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff berth with an impressive 90-78 win over Detroit in a matchup of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

The win also gave the Celtics the season series over Detroit, 2-1, and thus home-court advantage in the playoffs if the teams finish the season tied.

Some analysts still say Detroit is the team to beat for the East, and tonight the Celtics beat them, again. The talk wouldn't be complete with Cleveland and Orlando though. Both teams are capable of taking out Boston should they meet in the conference finals. Boston has positioned itself strategically for the playoffs by adding the services of veteran point guard/scorer Sam Cassell, a great bench player with plenty of experience.