Nicking The Knicerbockers

After overcoming a 20-point deficit in their last win, the Celtics turned the tables and nearly blew a 30-point lead to the Knicks in a 97-90 win at Madison Square Garden.

Paul Pierce blithely knocked down 31, while Al Jefferson continued his "Please Don't Trade me For Iverson" Tour with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Outscored 23-15 in the fourth quarter was another indication that the inconsistencies on this team argue for a 35-win season and nothing more. It's a shame, since the core of kids—Jefferson, Green, West—are tantalizingly close to being legitimate NBA stars.

We need patience, as Doc and Danny tell us incessantly, but we need a consistent winner in this town to truly believe.