Celtic streak alive at 5

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Given the state of affairs in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics aren't ready to brag about their recent accomplishments. But for the record, Boston has become the hottest team in the East, not so quietly climbing the standings with a combination of resiliency, youthful energy, and veteran leadership.

Drawing on all three qualities, Boston defeated Charlotte last night, 106-100, extended its winning streak to five games, and overcame the loss of Wally Szczerbiak (sprained right ankle) late in the third. It was a satisfying victory for Doc Rivers since it came on the road in the second of back-to-back games against an opponent Boston has had difficulty summoning the proper energy to play.

But the Celtics (10-13) who showed up at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena last night were different than the team that embarrassed itself at the same venue a little less than a month ago. This team, which once dreaded tight contests, now rises to the challenge in the fourth quarter. Young players who would show up for some games and disappear during others now bring consistent effort, if not consistent results. Just look at the recent performances of Tony Allen (11 points) and Al Jefferson (22 points). And, as always, Paul Pierce (35 points, 11 rebounds) stands ready to ensure victory with clutch shooting in the closing minutes.

After falling behind by 5 (97-92) with 3 minutes 49 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Boston called on its newfound resiliency. Pierce passed to Delonte West (14 points) for a 22-footer that closed the gap. Then, Pierce found Jefferson for a layup that brought Boston within 1 point. Finally, the Celtics regained the lead for good when Pierce went to the line for a pair of free throws with 2:06 left.

Boston held a 98-97 advantage until Pierce knocked down a 16-foot fadeaway jumper with 39.2 seconds remaining. A follow dunk by Emeka Okafor kept it a one-possession game until West and Pierce sealed the victory at the line. The free throws capped a 14-3 Boston run.

Like an early-season incarnation of the Celtics, the Bobcats hurt themselves with turnovers and poor execution in the closing minutes. A better shot here, a better pass there and the end result might have been different.

When asked if the Bobcats reminded him of the early-season Celtics, Pierce said, "Definitely. That's what our problem was down the stretch, turning over the ball, not getting the shots that we wanted. We're solving those problems."

Throughout the contest, there were plenty of opportunities for Boston to fold, to say goodbye to its longest winning streak since it won seven straight in March 2005. But the new-and-improved Celtics don't give up easily. That was evident in the second quarter when Boston rallied from a 9-point (46-37) deficit, closed the period with a 23-4 run, and took a 60-50 lead at halftime. It was again evident in the third when Boston lost a 12-point advantage and Szczerbiak. But the Celtics regrouped enough to finish the quarter within 3 points.

Throughout the fourth quarter, Rivers kept reminding his players that they would gladly take a close game down the stretch. Rivers knew he had players capable of making big baskets (Pierce) and big defensive plays (rebounds by Brian Scalabrine, a steal by Jefferson). The Celtics got the close game they wanted and did not squander the opportunity.

"This was a great win for us," said Rivers. "Before the game we mentioned that if we were a good team, we would win tonight. If we were a bad team, we wouldn't. With Wally going down and fatigue, there were a lot of reasons for us not to win, but our guys just sucked it up and won the game. Of all the games, it's this one that I'm most proud of."