From League Dormat to Conference Favorites

11/3/2007

In the nearly six months since, the Celtics have done more than just change their roster. They've completely changed their identity. In less time than it takes Clark Kent to pop in and out of a phone booth, Ainge dispatched a collection of young, promising players for Garnett and Ray Allen. And just like that, the Celtics went from hopefuls to handfuls, a team that many are picking to win the Eastern Conference.

``It's time to turn those (bad) days around,'' Celtics holdover Paul Pierce announced to a supercharged, sellout crowd before the opening tip.

Ainge, meanwhile, was nothing if not cool, though that should hardly come as a surprise. Ever since taking control, he's hoped to tear the Celtics down from relative mediocrity in hopes of building something bigger.

More than anyone currently associated with this team, of course, Ainge knows what it is to be a Celtic, to play at the Garden at a time when Boston is a basketball town. And so maybe that is why Ainge insisted that last night was no different than any other opener in his career.

``Obviously, we have different goals this year than we've had,'' Ainge said. ``But as long as I've been playing sports, any sport, there's always some sort of anticipation that comes with opening night.''

As for the anticipation of many of those around him?

``I sense a lot more (from fans),'' Ainge said. ``The fact that they even know we have a game (is new).''

Maybe that's what it is.

In Boston last night, basketball felt new again.

``With nine guys it's going to be really tough to have a practice,'' said Rivers, who took a morning flight to Atlanta to watch son Jeremiah and Georgetown play Ohio State in the Final Four. . . .

The Celts were out of sorts without Pierce Friday. ``We just came off a game where `P' was getting 30-40 touches and finishing off plays for us,'' said Delonte West. ``We've just got to change up on the spur of the moment and get something going.''