The 2011-12 Boston Celtics enjoyed a strong season, finishing with a 39-27 record to secure first place in the Atlantic Division and the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Doc Rivers and the veteran "Big Three" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the team showcased its resilience during a lockout-shortened schedule. Bolstered by Rajon Rondo leading the league in assists per game, the Celtics made a deep postseason run, defeating the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers before pushing the eventual champion Miami Heat to a thrilling seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals.