ATLANTA - The Celtics' play last night was not necessarily an example of how far the team has come since November, when two consecutive losses to Atlanta briefly sidetracked the Green. It was more an example of where the Celtics should have been all along when it comes to the lesser teams in the Eastern Conference.

Boston defeated Atlanta, 115-91, in a fashion that left no doubt which team was superior.

The victory marked the first time in two weeks the Celtics were able to string together consecutive wins. The victory also pushed Boston back over the .500 mark on the road.