Back when the Celtics were dominating the easier part of their schedule in November, the skeptics - somewhat justifiably - had trouble taking them seriously as a title contender. "Let's see how they do against the best of the west." Maybe last night doesn't shut everyone up completely, but sweeping the season series against the oh-so-hateable Spurs (and winning last night's game without Ray Allen) should at least show that their chances are legit. Sam Cassell is our new hero. Next up: tonight's game against the Houston Rockets, in the midst of (presently) the second-best winning streak in NBA history. Watch it tonight on TNT.