"Not even two weeks ago, the Celtics appeared disheveled and filled with self-pity when faced with adversity. During the opening month, the Celtics were plagued by injuries and had little to offer worthy opponents besides intermittent flashes of their previous form.

They didn't have enough in the fourth quarter, so the Celtics wilted down the stretch of close games.

Despite those bitter visions, this reinvigorated bunch accepted the challenge of a double-digit, second-half deficit last night against the New York Knicks. And although their offense was ragged most of the evening, the Celtics earned a victory in this suddenly rejuvenated rivalry with trademark defense.

Clinging to a 1-point lead - that could have been 4 if not for an official's review - the Celtics held the Knicks scoreless for the final 1:26, including two possessions in the final 16.1 seconds for a thrilling 91-89 win."