ATLANTIC STANDINGS   W L Pct. GB New Jersey 10 6 .625 - Boston 9 6 .600 ½ New York 9 9 .500 2 Orlando 9 9 .500 2 Philadelphia 8 8 .500 2 Washington 5 11 .313 5 Miami 2 13 .133 7½

CELTICS STATS Scoring: Paul Pierce, 27.1 Rebounds: Antoine Walker, 11.2 Assists: Kenny Anderson, 4.9 Blocks: Paul Pierce, 1.13 Steals: Anderson, 1.80 Full Celtics stats     NBA leaders

Paul Pierce was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for averaging 29 points in four games. (Reuters Photo)

Picture this: A nice Celtics road trip There are many ways to capture the progress Boston made during its nine-day tour of the Eastern Conference. Listen to the Celtics talk about growing as a team or coach Jim O'Brien complimenting improved practice habits. Look at the statistics generated by the team on defense and by individuals on offense. Chart the progress made in their ability to sustain early leads.

DECEMBER 4
Picture this: A nice Celtics trip
NBA roundup: Knicks ruin Rice's return

DECEMBER 3
Hungry Celtics take bite out of Raptors
Celtics notebook: O'Brien has plenty to say about Pierce
NBA roundup: Grizzlies shock Sixers

DECEMBER 2
A star turn by Pierce
Celtics notebook: He scored lots of points with teammates
NBA roundup: Mutumbo, Sixers stop Chicago cold
Pro basketball notes: Jordan still firing away, but looks shot

DECEMBER 1
No kidding: Nets, Celtics on upswing
NBA roundup: Heat can't break spell vs. Wizards

NOVEMBER 30
Celtics have the Magic touch
Celtics notebook: Headline fails to turn heads in locker room
NBA roundup: Kukoc sparks Hawks over Cavaliers