All wins are not created equal. All loses are not created equal. The Celtics 100-99 overtime loss to the Bulls on Friday night was a heart-breaker, and one that will haunt Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce until mid-February, when the Celtics get a chance at revenge in the final contest before the All-Star break.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

When the Celtics and Bulls are both playing well, their defense acts offensively, aggressively frustrating opponents into passing-lane turnovers, desperation threes, and one-shot possessions. Against weaker teams, that defense leads to transition points, whether those points come by way of fast-break lay-ups, free-throws or wide open three-pointers.

Before the game, we learned the Avery Bradley would be missing the contest with a bruised rib (x-rays negative). Leandro Barbosa got the start, but played only 14 minutes. Jason Terry (27) and Courtney Lee (22) got the extra minutes.

The Good

Boston forced 21 Chicago turnovers, but converted those into only 7 points. This ratio tells one of the important stories of the game. Typically, the ratio is about 1:1.2 (turnover: points allowed off of turnovers). On Friday, Chicago’s ability to minimize the cost of their mistakes kept the turnovers from hurting them. This is where Bradley’s absence cost the Celtics most. Rivers hoped Barbosa’s speed would have helped create some open-court opportunities, knowing that the Bulls half-court defense was going to cause Pierce and Garnett problems. It also tells you Pierce and KG can't beat determined teams down the court. Thibodeau relentlessly preaches getting back on defense.