5 Reasons the Boston Celtics Are a Legit Threat to Win It All

The 2012 NBA Playoffs are just around the corner, as Paul Pierce and this veteran Boston Celtics team is smelling a postseason run.

Since the All-Star break, this is a team that has gone 21-8, currently sitting at 36-25 and fourth in the Eastern Conference with just five games remaining on the schedule.

With an NBA title run coming in 2008, it is inevitable to assume this may in fact be the final run that this Celtics team has left in them to win an NBA championship behind the play of the Kevin Garnett and the Big Three.

These are the five reasons why these Celtics are an NBA championship contender in 2012.

The Celtics Have Beaten Top Teams

The quality of wins for this basketball team as of late will serve them well come postseason time.

In the team's last 17 games, the Celtics have beaten the Atlanta Hawks twice, the Miami Heat twice, the Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The stretch also included a one-point loss to arguably the league's hottest team—San Antonio Spurs.

It is clear that the Celtics are back on the right track, as they have been able to compete with and take down teams they will likely see in the playoffs. These wins may not be playoff wins, but they certainly imply the potential this team has to beat some of the top teams in the East.

Round of Applause for Avery Bradley, Greg Stiemsma

Who would have thought that come mid-April, Avery Bradley would be taking minutes away from future Hall of Famer Ray Allen?

Most would have never guessed it, as Bradley has come out and shown this team just how effective he can be. Defensively, he can full-court press for quarters at a time, wearing out opposing point guards and making life significantly easier for Rajon Rondo to run the offense.

Offensively, Bradley has continued to show improvement in his jump shot and does anything but shy away from looks. He has a confidence about his game that goes anything but unnoticed, as he is clearly the aggressor when he takes the court.

Meanwhile, rookie center Greg Stiemsma has put on quite the block-party since getting his chance to play significant minutes for the team. His 5.38 blocks per 48 minutes are No. 2 in the NBA behind Serge Ibaka, the league's known shot-blocking force. His 81 blocks are No. 17 in the league.

Talk about impressive numbers from the two talents. If they can continue to produce come postseason time, the Celtics chances of reeling in a title become all the more great.

Kevin Garnett Is Back to His Old Self

The look in his eye is undeniable, as Kevin Garnett is back and making his impact felt immediately.

As pointed out by ESPN's Marc Stein in his Week 16 power rankings piece, Garnett has posted six of his seven 20-point, 10-rebound games this season since the All-Star break in February.

Talk about impressive.

Garnett has been a more aggressive player on both ends of the floor. On offense he is making sure he takes the ball to the basket strong and avoids hesitating on his wide-open 20-footers. Defensively, he is attacking shots with more lift and helping anchor the team more effectively in the paint at the center spot.

In what could be a deep playoff run for the Celtics in 2012, Garnett will have to continue to be the enforcer on both ends, as his physicality and intensity is contagious as anything and will highly benefit this team down the stretch of games.

The Best, Healthy Point Guard in the Eastern Conference Playoffs

Yes, that was no typo.

Considering Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose is far from top form since returning from his injury, there is no question Rondo is the most feared point guard in the East playoff picture.

Not to mention, even if Rose were to have maintained his health, the guy would still boast an argument. A 16-assist showing against the Charlotte Bobcats in his most recent outing gave him 22-straight games with at least 10 assists.

What's more? Rondo is averaging 11.4 points and 14.2 assists per game in the month of April.

When it comes playoff time, the Celtics will have the advantage at the PG slot against nearly every team, as Rondo will need to make his impact felt throughout the playoffs. His ability to run the team and set the pace of a basketball game could make or break this team's title hopes.

"The Truth" Is Keeping the Defense Honest

If one thing is for certain with these new-look Boston Celtics, it's that Paul Pierce is lighting up the competition. And when Pierce hits shots, the Celtics win basketball games.

For over 13 seasons, Pierce has been the staple of this Celtics offense and the No. 1 option, the go-to guy. This season has been no different.

Picking up his play as of late, Pierce was awarded the Eastern Conference Player of the Month in March as his offense picked up significantly. In a month where the team would finish 12-5, Pierce averaged 22.3 points and 5.6 rebounds during the surge.

Make no mistake about it, with a 2008 Finals MVP to his name, there is no question Pierce will be the difference-maker for this team come postseason time. This is the guy the Celtics will and have to go through down the stretch.