Last Friday night the Celtics were embarrassed at home by the Atlanta Hawks, 97-86. It was Boston's second home loss of the season already. You might have thought it was an angry team that went to play at Indiana the next night.

Amid all the hype, the blowouts and the six-game winning streak to start the season, one thing might have been overlooked about the self-proclaimed "reloaded" Celtics. They still have to get to know each other.

First, The Unexpected. That happened Tuesday night when the Celtics beat the Cavaliers on the road. So call last night The Expected.Boston's home opener against the perennially-lacking Charlotte Bobcats seemed like a setup for the Celtics. Unless, of course, they suffered a post-Cavs letdown.

Now Paul Pierce knows what his mother meant all along. The Celtics' star is beginning his 12th season in Boston. That's a long time. It makes a man think about things - his career, what's been won and lost and how much time he has left.

Ray Allen is a student of the past who cherishes the influences that have made him the player and man he is today. He believes in the fierce urgency of the present as he takes all that knowledge, and experience, and pours it into his 14th season in the NBA.

Get used to Bobby Knight on ESPN. Pedo Martinez delivered a performance that was reminiscent of his heyday with the Red Sox. And if Boston trades for a slugger, look for David Ortiz and Mike Lowell to be a bit disgruntled as their playing time diminishes.

Jonathan Papelbon stood in the middle of the Red Sox clubhouse and stoically answered each question put to him by the media. Papelbon was exceedingly polite, but he couldn't completely hide his emotions. His eyes were a little watery, and his complexion ashen. Papelbon admitted that it will be difficult to put aside what had transpired on the field a short time before the offseason officially commenced.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers had an Eddie House conundrum during the past two years.

Doc Rivers has found his new closer.

Bryant Johnson looked around. The former Milford High three-sport star was going to play college football somewhere. Assumption, Northeastern, Stonehill and Bryant were on his dance card. But in his heart, it was all about Bentley University.