We got a look at the future tonight and it was fun. Doc sat KG, Pierce to rest them since they have another game tomorrow night and the young guys got a lot of run in this game. Doc started Rondo, Lee, Green, Sully and Collins with Melo, Terry, Kurz, Downs, and Joseph playing off the bench. The Knicks also sat their stars with Melo, Amare and Chandler all sitting this one out.

Boston Celtics' Jeff Green, left, is squeezed by New York Knicks' Mychel Thompson (20) during the second half of an NBA preseason game in Albany, N.Y. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)

After falling behind by 20 at one point, the Celtics ended the first half on a 24-9 run to pull to within 5. Kris Joseph's consecutive three-point plays to open the fourth quarter, part of a 24-4 stretch, gave Boston its first lead since the the score was 9-8 at the 7:34 mark of the first quarter. They completely outplayed the Knicks down the stretch for the 109-98 win.


Rondo started and played 30 minutes racking up 13 points,11 assists, and 6 rebounds. When Rondo went to the bench, Jason Terry and Courtney Lee shared the point guard duties and the team never missed a beat. Courtney Lee also started and finished with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Lee is showcasing his ability to run the floor with Rondo and also his athleticism to get into the passing lanes and to finish at the basket. Jet came off the bench and scored 22 points to go with 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and filled the role of the leader of the second unit.

Jeff Green, who started in place of Paul Pierce, had the play of the night when he chased down Mychal Thompson for a monster block. He finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. When you think that he is just now getting his legs back under him after not playing for a year, you have to wonder just how good he's going to be for the Celtics this season.


Jared Sullinger started at the power forward spot and scored 10 points to go with 8 rebounds and 1 steal. Jason Collins played just 9 minutes but played well, adding 4 points and 3 rebounds. Fab Melo played 7 minutes and had 2 points and 1 rebound. You can see his potential but also the need for time before he will reach it. His former Syracuse teammate, Kris Joseph, may have solidified his hold on the 15th roster spot pitching in 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Rob Kurz and Micah Downs also got some good minutes in this game. Downs has played well at times and finished this game with 6 points and 3 rebounds in 13 minutes. Kurz had 5 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes. While it's a huge long shot for either of them to make the team, they could catch the eye of another GM or earn an invite from a European team. And, there's always the Red Claws.

Boston Celtics' Kris Joseph (43) scores past New York Knicks' Steve Novak (16) to tie the game during the second half of an NBA preseason game in Albany, N.Y. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)

The Celtics had 22 fast break points and that is exciting to see. I love that they are running and getting easy points out of it. They won the battle of the boards 39-33. They also outscored the Knicks in the paint 46-32. They still have to take better care of the ball as they turned it over 20 times. This was a fun game to watch. There was a big comeback, great play from the young guys, and beating the Knicks is always fun, even in a meaningless game in the preseason. [Discuss on CG Forums!]