Butterfingers! Celtics let one slip away, lose to Knicks 86-89

Paul Pierce fumbled away two critical late game plays that might have made the difference in a tight ballgame. It ruined a game in which Pierce looked spry and effective early on and Rajon Rondo got yet another triple double. However, Carmelo got some measure of revenge with a big 28 point night and the Celtics skid is now up to 5 games.

Well, at least they TRIED hard...

Doc: "We lost the game; I don't think either team played great, but if I had that effort every night I'd be very happy."

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 25, 2013

One interesting factoid:

Green Street » Wasted chance: Knicks beat Celtics despite triple-double from Rajon Rondo

The Celtics lost five straight twice last season before rallying at the end of the season for a 37-29 record and the Atlantic Division title. They may not be as lucky this season as the Atlantic-leading Knicks improved to 26-14, seven games ahead of the 20-22 Celtics in the division.

Also, for what it is worth:

Rapid reaction: Knicks 89, Celtics 86 - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston

After Garnett spilled to the floor trying to complete a third-quarter alley-oop, it was Anthony -- of all people -- who offered a hand to help pick him up. After all the hoopla in New York, the two played nice on Thursday and Garnett actually got under the skin of Tyson Chandler more than Anthony on this night.