Any Eastern Conference team with serious playoff aspirations will have to go through Boston. And the Celtics are proving early on this season, that’s one big roadblock.

Just over a month into the season the Boston Celtics have already defeated the projected top contenders in the East. They followed up an opening night win over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a pair of victories against both the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, as well as blowout wins over the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Celtics were supposed to have competition. So far they've had a clear path to the top of the standings.

Cleveland Cavaliers

October 28: Celtics 90, Cavaliers 85

On the most emotional night of the season thus far, the Celtics raised their 17th world championship banner to the rafters before spoiling the Cavs attempt at postseason revenge. They fended off LeBron James (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) with 27 points from the teary-eyed Paul Pierce. Despite a combined 7-for-24 shooting from Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, Tony Allen and Leon Powe picked up the slack in the first exhibition of a deep Celtics bench.

“You gotta give them credit. They played, they're the champs, they played great defense out there, and they turned the defensive pressure up on us. We had plenty of opportunities to take advantage on offense, we missed shots, missed free throws. We ain’t pointing the finger at anything. We just take this one on the chin and get ready for the next one.” - Former Celtic and current Cavaliers guard Delonte West

Detroit Pistons

November 9: Celtics 88, Pistons 76

November 20: Celtics 98, Pistons 80

The first time these teams met the Pistons were just days removed from acquiring Allen Iverson. They had not established a team chemistry and, as a result, the Celtics spoiled Iverson's home debut in front of a sold out crowd. Two weeks later, a total Celtics team effort exposed the Pistons shaky foundation. Pierce struggled in both games (combined 5-for-19 FG) but players including Ray Allen, Tony Allen, Eddie House and Rajon Rondo compensated for his off nights.

“They are very good, the fact that they put a banner up there. They’re very good defensively, not just [against] us but they defended everyone else in the league. They’re really good on the strong side. Like I said, you have to be able to get to the weak side and execute offensively on the weak side and play smash mouth basketball.” - Pistons head coach Michael Curry after Game 2

Toronto Raptors

November 10: Celtics 94, Raptors 87

November 23: Celtics 118, Raptors 103

After a series of sloppy starts, the Boston Celtics looked like they were going to succumb to the Raptors. Then Paul Pierce went on an offensive spree and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter alone (10-22 FG, 4-7 3PG, 12-14 FT total) to go up 1-0 on the season. Rajon Rondo was the leader of the second game, setting the tone of the Celtics win with his fast paced tempo. Ray Allen led the Celtics with 21 points and Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Tony Allen each added 15 in this high-scoring match up.

“Boston is a great team. They aren't champions for nothing. Gotta tip your hats to those guys. They came in and played aggressive D. We're still learning as a team that when you get a team down 16 points, you got to keep them down.” - Toronto Raptors center Jermaine O'Neal after Game 1

Philadelphia 76ers

November 28: Celtics 102, 76ers 78

The 76ers were supposed to be the hot new team in the East after signing Elton Brand. But the Celtics proved their instant success wasn't the norm and sent the 76ers back to the drawing board in a bench-clearing win. Brand was the only Sixers starter to post more than 12 points; the other four combined for just 25. Every Celtic on the court scored, powered by Ray Allen (23 points, 10-15 FG, 3-5 3PG). It was another testament to the bench, which maintained a double-digit lead while the starters snuck in some extra rest.

“They showed why they were World Champions last year. Their defense stifled us ... They took us out of every set we had. They just proved the reason why they are the number one defensive team in the league.” - 76ers head coach Mo Cheeks

Orlando Magic

December 1: Celtics 107, Magic 88

The Magic, who dealt the Celtics their first loss last season, came into Boston undermanned. They pestered the Celtics with only seven available players before the entire Celtics squad came out swinging after halftime. The Big Three combined for 60 points, Rondo posted 16 points and 12 assists, and Kendrick Perkins grabbed 13 boards. More importantly they rendered Dwight Howard's 14 points and 15 rebounds useless. Neither Superman nor Rashard Lewis (30 points) could overcome the Celtics depth.

“I watched the Celtics play a lot on TV and their bench has always been consistent, especially guys like Leon Powe, Tony Allen and Eddie House. They come off the bench and they keep you going, the pace doesn't stop. That's what you expect out of a good team.” - Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard

The Celtics will face these teams a total of 13 more times during the regular season. Any could be postseason competition so the Celtics are getting the message across early. The road out of the Eastern Conference doesn't go through Detroit any longer. It stops in Boston and right now the Celtics are the only ones who know the way out.

Jessica Camerato is a regular contributor for WEEI.com.