Celtics and Nets still chippy

Rivalries are build on more than just emotions and altercations. There has to be a somewhat equal footing in terms of talent and something worth fighting for. Well, the Celtics and Nets are arguably around the same level talent-wise and have the Atlantic Division to battle over. So when you toss in some chippiness, you get a budding (at least short term) rivalry.

Last month it was Rondo and Kris Humphries going at it. This time it was Garnett and Wallace.

Garnett reacts to Nets' Wallace after-whistle antics

"He just grabbed my shorts. I tried to help him up, make sure he didn't fall," Garnett said in describing his role on the play. "And he just kept grabbing my shorts. So I asked him what he was doing. He didn't respond. And I looked at him, what you doing? And I tried to smack his hand away. It really wasn't nothing. He just jacked my shorts." Their exchange resulted in technical fouls against both players which offset one another. Boston's Courtney Lee and Andray Blatche also had some words during the play which led to each of them getting whistled for offsetting technical fouls as well.

As Doc so eloquently stated after the last game, toughness isn't about fighting. It is about being mentally strong and doing whatever it takes to win. Still, you can tell these teams legitimately don't like each other and are taking things a little extra personally.

This could be an interesting matchup to watch this year and perhaps for a few years to come. Especially when you consider that Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo aren't likely going anywhere anytime soon.