Reasons for optimism

• The Celtics managed only 8 points in the 4th quarter last night, and just 25 total in the second half.
• For the game Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined to shoot 10-27 from the field, 37%.
• The bench scored just 4 points without making a field goal (0-7), including 0-4 3PT from Jason Terry.
• Boston's reserves also failed to register a single assist.
• The Celtics turned the ball over 20 times, compared to 13 for the Knicks.

Despite all of this, it was still a three point game (79-76) with 2:45 to go at MSG.  It's also worth noting what happened in Game 1 of the playoffs a year ago: Garnett and Pierce made 13 of 38 shots (34%), the bench chipped in only 4 points, and the C's lost 83-74 in Atlanta.  Boston went on to win 4 of the next 5 to take the series in 6 games.

Follow Mark on twitter @LucidSportsFan