The Celtics have made some major off-season moves this summer, movements that could see last year's Eastern Conference Finalists go one game better than they did in last year's seven-game loss to Miami. Although it's hard to replace a veteran presence like Ray Allen, Austin Rivers - son of Boston coach, Doc Rivers - believes that Boston got deeper, and better, with the additions of Jason Terry and Courtney Lee.

"As funny as it sounds, I actually think both teams benefited (from Ray Allen signing with the Heat," Austin Rivers said. "I think the Heat got a lot better obviously, because now the floor is spaced with Ray Allen.

"And I think the Celtics got better, because first off it was disappointing to (see him) leave because he was a part of that whole buildup to the Celtics again, but now you have a better defender in Courtney Lee, who is a great on-the-ball defender and someone who is going to add to the great defense the Celtics play already. And then you have Jason Terry, who is instant offense, something the Celtics need when you have older players like KG and Paul Pierce that get hurt. So when you have guys that are going to be inconsistent, not due to how good they are but how old they are, and the fatigue of a long season, you have guys who can come in and give you instant offense."

He might not be far wrong either. A Celtics side that battled valiantly against the (eventual) champs is a serious threat to Miami's crown once again.