Playing with poise

With the exception of some late-game trash-talking between the Boston bench and some boisterous New York fans at Madison Square Garden, the Celtics handled their first win of the season with considerable restraint. There were high-fives and hugs, but nothing over the top despite a 34-point rout of the Knicks Saturday night.

Paul Pierce, Gary Payton, Ricky Davis, and Co. all copped a been-there, done-that attitude.

Despite the margin of victory, coach Doc Rivers and his players know it will be a season of highs and lows, characterized by inconsistency and unpredictability.

If the Celtics learned anything from their first three games, it was this: Hold on for a wild ride.

Given the inconsistent and unpredictable performances of their Atlantic Division cohorts, uncertainty may be the only constant for the Celtics this season.

After taking yesterday off from practice, all Boston wants is some carryover from its first victory.

"It was a nice win," said Rivers. "It's a good, positive step for us, but we've got to keep doing it. We can't let our guard down and do it one night . . . I don't know how, but we're going to definitely try [to sustain the effort]. It's a shame we don't play [today] after doing this, but that's the way the schedule works. Honestly, we probably need work in the gym, anyway." Rivers's team returns to action Wednesday night against Portland at the FleetCenter.

Every facet of the Celtics' game can be improved, but some areas have produced encouraging signs. The Boston offense clearly has the potential to be high-scoring and entertaining. It helps when opponents don't play defense, but regardless of how the Knicks performed Saturday night, the Celtics know what can happen when they commit themselves to sharing the ball and finding the hot hand.

Through three games, Boston is averaging 24.3 assists, nearly a three-assist improvement over last season. It may be too early to make comparisons with last season, but one of the big differences this year has been where the passes have gone. Against the Knicks, when the Celtics racked up 27 assists, they got the ball to the hottest player.

"We call it `feeding the pig,' " said Rivers. "You know what was nice was everyone was looking for [open shots]. We got them through the offense, instead of breaking the offense and just running down and doing things that were not set up. That's the one thing we kept stressing in the timeouts. If we've got a hot guy, let's find him through our offense. Don't just find him."

Davis is finding success playing within the Celtics' system. Shooting 66 percent (21 for 32) from the floor, Davis led Boston in scoring vs. Indiana with 22 points and finished with 20 points against New York and 14 against Philadelphia.

Another pleasant surprise has been rookie Al Jefferson, who appears to be making strides with each game. And then there's Marcus Banks. The second-year point guard scored 10 points against New York and, in the process, showed he is gaining his teammates' confidence.

"Once again, it started from the team," said Banks. "The [first two games] we couldn't finish with the same fire we started with. [Against New York], we moved the ball and we were able to knock down shots and do what it takes."

After committing 19 turnovers (for 26 points) on opening night, the Celtics have taken better care of the ball -- with just 12 turnovers against both the Pacers and Knicks. And after being manhandled by Philadelphia and Indiana on the glass, Boston claimed a 45-31 rebounding edge against New York.

"[Against New York], it was a night where rebounding was easier," said Raef LaFrentz. "It's something that we still have to work on and be conscious of and improve. [The win] gives us a lot more confidence than we would have if we were 0-3. I wish, as coaches and players, we knew what to do to continue this [kind of play]. That's the challenge.

"Every night's a new night and we have to find the energy."