Sports Redux: Breakdown

"Half the guys in our league couldn't shoot 15-for-21 if they were in a gym by themselves," said Doc Rivers. The man would know, having coached Kedrick Brown, Gerald Green, and Brian Scalabrine over the years. But 15-for-21 were the numbers Toronto rained down on the C's from 3-point-land, dropping the C's to their first division loss of the season.

It was perhaps the Celtics' poorest defensive game of the year; the Raptors shot 58% from the floor and 100% from the free-throw line (which, admittedly, is tough to defend against). But even with the offensive Raptor flurry and the comeback (Boston led by 8 in the fourth quarter), the Celtics still could have gone to OT if Ray Allen's last-second shot had bounced one centimeter in the other direction. Blame some butterfly in China for that one.

After a disappointing night like this, maybe it's time to check on the Bizarro Celtics out in Minnesota. The team that consists mostly of guys we had last year (and Antoine Walker, who we've had as well) shocked Phoenix last night. Al Jefferson had 39 points and 15 rebounds for the Wolves' first winning streak of the year; this just days after Ryan Gomes notched a 35/11 against Golden State. The aforementioned Gerald Green is having yet another disappointing year, but will have a chance to defend his Slam Dunk Contest championship.

The rest of the local landscape is quiet. The Patriots get back to work today. The Bruins host the Islanders. The Red Sox have some names in mind for a left-handed backup for Lowell and Youk. Single-game Sox seats go on sale this weekend, but if you're not a professional scalper, you won't have any luck.