It wouldn't be quite right to describe the Boston Celtics as the Eastern Conference's success story of the year. The Atlanta Hawks were dominant to the tune of a 60-22 record. The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged overnight.
But there's still something special about these seventh-seeded Celtics—even if they await almost certain defeat at the hands of Cleveland in the opening round. So far, Boston trails the series 1-0, but that shouldn't dampen what's already been accomplished this season.
The Celtics are much further along in the rebuilding process than most would have imagined.