C’s ready to start postseason push

NBA. As far as good problems are concerned, this one was nearly the equivalent of running out of space in the Garden rafters for championship banners.

But Celtics coach Doc Rivers doesn’t have to deal with that one just yet.

Due to the C’s ability to cement the best record in the league two weeks ago, Rivers has been forced to juggle his roster on a nightly basis to keep his players fresh without allowing them to get rusty. Last night, Rivers gave one last breather to Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, as well as point guard Rajon Rondo in the C’s regular-season finale against the Nets.

Just as beneficial for the key components getting some down time, though, has been giving the bench players a little more responsibility on the floor.

“I think it’s helped a lot,” Rivers said. “Obviously, they’re not going to play all five as a group, but I think it helps in confidence that each guy has played well in his own terms or in his own time.”

As for the game, Leon Powe scored a career-high 27 points, adding 11 rebounds for his sixth career double-double in a 105-94 win over New Jersey.

Today, though, the Celtics switch into full playoff-preparation mode. Rivers will give them a hard workout at the team facility in Waltham this morning, and the practice intensity will vary tomorrow based on which day the Celtics and Hawks open their first-round series, which had yet to be determined when Rivers spoke last night.

More than anything, they’re just anxious to play a game with some actual substance for the first time in a month.

“They’re ready to play some meaningful games, I can tell you that,” Rivers said. “All of us are.”