Celtics fans are pumped up after getting their first win in dramatic fashion this morning. But the news is not all good. Al will be out 3-6 weeks, our D is still terrible, and Doc is playing Scal over Powe. But at least we aren't going to be the last team to get a win. That honor belongs to either Dallas or Denver, who are both winless. Here is what is going on around the Celtics Nation today:

The big news, aside from the win, is Al's emergency appendectomy. The Herald, The Globe, The Daily News Tribune, The Worcester Telegram, and Projo all have articles on Al's surgery and what it means for the team. Since Doc chose to activate Scal and put Powe on the IL, it is going to mean that everyone has to pick up their game to fill the hole left by Al's absence. Powe could come in and give the team some of what they are missing without Al, but Scal just does the "little things" and so can't even come close. It is good that Ratliff has returned as that will help the team alot.

Mark Murphy reports that Pierce had a lot of trust in West to make that last shot, in spite of his struggles to that point.

Steve Bulpett reports in the Celtics Notebook that Ratliff made a good first impression in his first game back after his back injury. He also reports that Doc still believes in Perk and feels he will break out this season. For once, I agree with Doc.

The Herald also has a report about one of their dancers being threatened by a disgruntled fan. You had to know that this would happen. So many of the old time fans feel that the dance team was a slap in the face to Red and are not very happy about them. Along the same lines, the Eagle Tribune has a very negative piece on the Dancers. I agree that our money could have been much better spent on a new coach or trying to lure an all star here. I also agree that they haven't been all that classy.

The Herald, the Worcester Telegram, and Globe report on our sloppy, but gratifying win last night. It wasn't pretty with 25 turnovers (12 from the Captain) and a decided lack of intensity from our players and a definite lack of defense, but it will get the pressure off the team and possibly help them to play better next time out. West hit his first game winner and Gomes had his first triple double, and so it was a night of first all the way around. I thought it was funny that Pierce called Morrison a "baby Wally Szczerbiak" before the game.

Peter May reports that Pierce used the D word to spur his teammates to play harder last night. No, not Defense, Desperation. I didn't think we played with much of either, but a win is a win.

Hopefully, the Celtics can take this win and build on it. It won't get any easier as the 4 and 1 Jazz come to town on Friday.