Boston 94, Utah 82

[recap] [box score]

I don't know if I'm in a writing funk or what, but I've had a really hard time coming up with things to say about the Celtics lately. And the ironic part is that, if we're not playing our best basketball of the season right now, we've at least gotten great results. On Tuesday night, Boston beat a hot but tired Utah team. That gives the Cs a 13-5 record since the All-Star break, which -- if I heard Mike Gorman correctly on tonight's broadcast -- is good for third-best in the whole league.

The Celtics are doing it with defense, at least in stretches: In each of the last three wins, Boston's opponent has gone through extended periods of offensive futility. The effort hasn't been consistent, however, and all three opponents have gotten back into the game -- often fueled in part, as the Jazz were, by Boston's own stagnant offense. The defensive glass also remains a consistent problem. The obvious explanation for the strong defense of late is Ray Allen's absence: His replacement, Avery Bradley, is a lockdown defender, so it'll be interesting to see if anything changes once Allen gets back. However, Greg Stiemsma, who has proven to be a fearsome shotblocker in his rookie season, figures to have cemented a spot in the rotation for the rest of the season.

A day off, and then the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. Kevin Love has been an absolute monster for them, and keeping him away from the offensive glass will be top priority. They've had some injuries to other key pieces, and this is a very winnable game. Philly beat Cleveland on Tuesday, so we're currently tied atop the Atlantic with them, but they're in Washington on Friday night to face the 11-38 Wizards. Therefore, a win over the Wolves is probably necessary to keep pace.