With KG as the on-court enforcer and Rivers serving as a rock-solid psychologist, the Celtics know how to get where they want to be.

In terms of Xs and Os, the Celtics seem to be slightly more aggressive on defense, using on-ball pressure to coax dribblers into sideline trap areas, and doubling ball screens more frequently in late-game situations.

The Celtics also have become more sophisticated in double-teaming the post, sending a second player from different areas and different times (on the catch, on the pass, on the bounce, etc.). The tricky nature of having multiple post-doubling packages requires experience with the base system; this means that not having much in the Newcomer category could be a blessing.

Boston's offense still has its share of post isolations for Garnett, staggered double screens for Ray Allen jump shots and down-screens creating curl space for Pierce. But Rondo's improved attacking skills have given the Celtics more latitude to trot out their interpretation of the Dribble-Drive Motion offense.

While the spacing is quite a bit more pronounced, the Cs often limit their DDM commitment to Rondo's deadly simple ability to drive and kick.

But with Bynum and 7-foot Pau Gasol on the floor together, the Lakers are at least showing more often on ball screens this season because of that second presence near the hoop to deter slip screens and collect rebounds.

With Bynum playing behind most centers, the Lakers are performing fewer post doubles, but have used their presumed quickness upgrade on the perimeter to double dribblers on the sideline and baseline.

Unfortunately, the required backside rotations during these doubles have been inconsistent and this weakness is magnified because Phil really uses his bench.

While the offensive pace has remained quick due to defensive-rebounding power, the main (and obvious) change has been the hi-low, Gasol-to-Bynum tweaks in the triangle.

We'll see if the Lakers can get it right in six more months.