"For all the questions that followed Nate Robinson into Boston last year - could he adapt to the offense? could he listen to his coach? - Celtics coach Doc Rivers uncovered a simple way to make the guard feel comfortable. He installed a Knicks play in the offense, and Robinson basked in the familiarity.

"That's out the window," Robinson said of the old Knicks wrinkle. "I don't need that now."

What Robinson really needed was a full-fledged training camp, such as the two weeks that carried him into last night's exhibition game against Toronto at the Garden. He scored 13 points in 23-plus minutes of the C's 91-87 win against the Raptors.

Like just about every player of value traded to a playoff team in midseason, Robinson was given the benefit of the doubt. Enough leeway to see what would happen once he had the luxury of a full training camp.

After the first week at Salve Regina University, Rivers said his 5-foot-9 reserve guard was quite possibly enjoying the best camp out of everyone in this celebrated lineup. After another - and after apparently figuring out the riddle of when to be fun-loving Nate and when to be serious, as Rivers has put it - Robinson appears more at home than ever.

"I'm so beyond comfortable it's ridiculous, from knowing the plays to knowing my role just to bring energy," said Robinson. "I'm not just the point guard - I'm the energy guy. Whenever (Rajon) Rondo needs a breather, I'm going to be the best sub that I can be for him, to make it easier for him to come in and pick up where I left off.

"It's like a good tag team in wrestling," he said. "Come in, do your job, you tag out, you wait, and come in again."

Most of all, you maintain control. There were times last year when Rivers had serious questions about Robinson's ability to channel his energy."