Sam Smith

It wasn't the difference and wasn't the reason the Boston Celtics won three championships in the 1980's, but Larry Bird said there was no mistaking the edge his Celtics teams had playing at home in the playoffs.

"I thought the old Chicago Stadium was the loudest when they (Bulls) were rolling," Bird told me the other day. "But one thing about Chicago then, you'd make a big play or a shot and they'd get quiet. Maybe it was different in the 90's with Michael (Jordan). But not in Boston. When we needed a stop or an extra basket they (fans) were there for that extra boost.

"That's something they're going to have going for them."

That's this season's version of the Boston Celtics, who for the first time since Jordan retired in 1998 should be the first Eastern team in a long time that's favored in the NBA Finals.

Assuming they get there, of course, and the Detroit Pistons, despite losing two of three to Boston, think they could have an edge with their experienced backcourt. And the Cleveland Cavaliers believe they have an edge with the best closer in the East, LeBron James. And the Orlando Magic believe they have the only true center of the contenders.

But this Celtics team, which started 20-2 and seemed to be threatening all-time wins records, is doing something better. Even with losing Kevin Garnett for nine games (and going 7-2), they've been the best and winningest team all season, recent wins in San Antonio and Houston only emphasize that point.

The statistics for those who rely on that seem irrefutable.

The Celtics are 22-5 against the Western Conference and 26-9 on the road. They're 11-5 (going into Dallas) against the West playoff teams. They're 14-2 in the second of back to backs. They have a better record against the supposedly transcendent West teams than against the dowdy East teams.

And though several East teams believe they have a legitimate claim on the trip to the NBA Finals, it's expected the West representative will merely be a survivor of perhaps the most competitive playoffs ever and who knows in what condition to play the most important series of the season.

I asked Bird about the Celtics — and yes he has his own issues with his Indiana Pacers and mostly is involved in that — because he is perhaps Mr. Celtic. Sure, Bill Russell and that bunch. But no one gets treated so respectfully in Boston (at least not wearing a baseball uniform) as Bird.

He's seen enough of this Celtics team to know they have a real chance.

"They've surprised my by how physical they play," Bird offered, impressed with the way they defend, the way they rotate so quickly and push players out of their favored spots.

It's one thing the experts look for.

And it's reflected in the statistics.

The Celtics are No. 1 in fewest points allowed and opponent shooting. They're No. 1 in opponent 3-point shooting, No. 1 in margin of victory and among the leaders in shooting. The numbers say clearly they are the league's best defensive team.

Kevin Garnett generally gets the credit for that, but so should coach Doc Rivers.

I've been a critic of Rivers' teams on the defensive end before, but Rivers has been consistent this season and also doing something subtle and sometimes considered dangerous in the regular season that could pay huge dividends come playoff time.

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The Celtics play playoff ball. They have all season. They defend and play ruggedly. They play in the half court. They don't give up much. Some teams come to the playoffs and start talking about the second season and it all starts over, but it doesn't. If you've been playing that way, you are ready.

Their weakness was supposed to be at point guard with Rajon Rondo, and they've brought in help there with Sam Cassell and up front with P.J. Brown.

And Bird has been impressed with Rondo.

"They said he was their weakness," noted Bird. "But he's done a heck of a job. He's an excellent point guard. He keeps them together, gets the ball where it's supposed to go. They've really got their confidence going now. They're for real. And it's important to have that home court edge because the place will be rocking.

"I remember if they (fans) ever weren't into it I'd say in the paper that they should stay home," laughed Bird. "The next time out it would be out of control. It can be something there."

Eastern teams have two championships since Jordan retired, and both were surprises.

This one in Boston may not be.

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