Jeff Green gets Celtics their first and only win against the Pistons this season: 98-93

Iron Man did it again! Jeff Green has put up another monstrous performance with 34 points (13-19 FG), 6 rebounds and 4 blocks and the Celtics avoided getting swept by the Pistons in regular season for the first time since 2006-07. Green's numbers are impressive by themselves, but it should also be mentioned that a few of those points and rebounds were really, really crucial.

The Celtics had a slow start to the game, and the Pistons made great use of that as they poured in 30 points by the end of Q1. However, come Q2 the Celtics had their best quarter defense-wise in Garnett's absence: They only allowed 5 points in the first 6.5 minutes. Steals, forced turnovers, quality rotation... That sort of defensive performance had been dearly missed for the past few games.

It didn't take long for the Celtics to catch the complacency bug, and it became a really close game by the fourth quarter. The Celtics giftwrapped the game for the Pistons, yet they have politely refused and regifted. Charlie Villanueva missed open shots and layups, Brandon Knight remembered that they were supposed to tanking as he elevated for an open dunk... Both teams tried to turn it into a college game yet Jeff Green thankfully didn't buy into that plan.

Other individual stats of importance: Bass had 17 points and 7 rebounds, Bradley shot 62.5% to score 11 points, Pierce had a slightly off night in terms of shooting but still provided 17 points and 5 assists, Terrence Williams made great use of the 13 minutes of action he saw with 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists.

The Celtics clinched a playoff spot tonight as the 76ers lost. If the Bucks lose to the Timberwolves as well (which looks quite likely at the moment), they will get one big step closer to securing the 7th seed at the very least.