Blount's duties: Hassle Mourning

First, O'Brien wanted to see a different combination start. And statistics collected by the coaching staff show Battie and starting power forward Vin Baker are the Celtics' most effective defensive combination.

Second, O'Brien wanted Blount matched up with Alonzo Mourning, who comes off the bench for New Jersey. Not a bad idea, considering Blount spent much of the summer working out with Mourning in Miami.

"It's just to look at a different rotation," said O'Brien. "We're very pleased with the way Mark is playing. We would like to have Mark available when Alonzo Mourning comes off the bench. I think [Tony] is playing well . . . I told the players, `Don't get hung up on starting lineups. Anybody.' Well, I can assure you Paul [Pierce] is going to start. It's to look at a different rotation."

Blount thought the change was a good move.

"I've been working with [Mourning] all summer, so he probably thought it would be a better matchup," said Blount (12 points). "I know what he's going to do down there."

Mourning was held to 8 points.

Net gains Before last night's 94-87 Celtics loss to the Nets, director of basketball operations Danny Ainge admits he plots the future of the Celtics with an eye on the Nets. After all, the reigning two-time conference champions are the team to beat in the East. But that does not mean Ainge plans to model Boston after New Jersey. He can't. There is only one Jason Kidd.

"They are the team that we want to beat," said Ainge. "Right now, they are the team that . . . we're aspiring to overcome because I think that they're the elite team in the East. And I don't think that Detroit's too far behind. But I don't really look at New Jersey and say, `Oh, I need someone to match up with Kidd. I need someone to match up with Kenyon Martin. I need someone to match up with [Richard] Jefferson.' I don't look at it that way.

"I look at it as becoming better. I respect what New Jersey's done . . . but we don't have to mirror-image the way they do it. There are many more ways to win."

Youth served Last night, O'Brien showed his willingness to play young talent late in important games. But the coach will be the first to tell you that Kedrick Brown and Marcus Banks earned the minutes they saw in the fourth quarter. Brown played 10 minutes while Banks played all 12 and finished as the Celtics' high scorer in the fourth. Brown finished the night with a career-high 18 points, while Banks recorded 11 points, 3 assists, and no turnovers. "It was good to get Marcus that type of experience in the fourth quarter against the defending Eastern Conference champions and Kidd," said O'Brien. "I think the more minutes we can get Marcus, the better. I liked his shot selection, three assists to no turnovers was good. Kedrick's a solid player. We expect big things from him and there was no surprise that he had a good game." . . . Jason Collins had career highs in points (19) and rebounds (13).

Wallace on tour Wondering where general manager Chris Wallace is and what he's doing? Well, today he starts a 12-day European scouting tour. The trip will take Wallace to Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and Croatia looking at talent eligible for next year's draft and future free agency. "I went [to Europe] twice last year and I'll probably end up going two or three times again this year," said Wallace. "I've never gone this early. I wanted to try one early trip this year because the scene and the circumstances change over there so quickly with how the players are used and playing time, etc. You have to understand the nature of European basketball. In a lot of these situations, the playing time and roles of these prospects fluctuate dramatically over the course of the year." . . . The Nets arrived at the FleetCenter depleted by injuries. Martin (sprained left ankle), Rodney Rogers (dislocated left thumb), and Lucious Harris (lower back pain) were not with the team. Brian Scalabrine did not play (strained hip flexor). Yesterday, Nets coach Bryon Scott placed Rodgers on the injured list and activated Tamar Slay. "I'm hoping to get all these guys back pretty soon," said Scott. "Love to. But that's all it is, hope."