By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor

Tonight’s game had an interesting twist. Nate Robinson made his debut with the Celtics against none other than his former team the NY Knicks. Before the game Robinson said, “It’s overwhelming being part of a franchise that’s accustomed to winning.” Yeah Nate, guess you’re not used to that in New York (20-36) huh?

The Celtics also had to face a player who was their teammate and friend,

just a week ago: Eddie House, who they made a tribute to before the game, thanking him for the memories.

So, based on tonight’s game, who got the better trade? Who’s a better asset: the one who dunks or the one who drains three’s?

Neither of these players are going to elevate their new teams to the next level, or Championship team status. They’ll deepen the bench, and hopefully put some points on the board the minutes they’re in. This is especially important for the Celtics, who have endless injury problems (Pierce was out tonight and indefinitely), and who may always need one of their bench to step into bigger shoes for the time being.

Statistically in tonights game, Robinson, who hasn’t even has a full practice with the team yet, looked to be the better deal. He and House both went 2/7 with 4 points each, but House played 12 minutes more than Robinson. And for someone who’s good from the three, House was 0/5. He did manage 5 rebounds and 5 assists to Robinson’s 1 and 1, but overall, I’d say Robinson did more for the amount of time he was out there.

The first game for both Robinson and House can’t gauge much of what is to come from them the rest of the season however, as they’ll get more comfortable in their new shoes and jerseys.

But, in reality, it’s four points, and the performance of House and Robinson tonight isn’t that important in the grand scheme of things. Not only is neither player adjusted yet to their new team’s style, but what’s more important, is what the starting five do, and for the Celtics, they have been very inconsistent this season.

No surprise, the Celts started out strong in the first, getting a 13 point lead, but got either overconfident or overtired and deflated in the second, as the Knicks outshot them by seven. New York kept up, and by the end of the third, the Celts were holding on to just a 3-point lead. Really? The Knicks guys? This isn’t Orlando or Atlanta here.

The Knicks hung around in the fourth, but the Celts had enough steam to get the win, 110-106.

Their defense might have been lacking (a lot), but all five Celtics starters were in double figures tonight, with Ray Allen (24 points) just absolutely dominating once again. With less than a minute to go, Allen had the block of the game, securing the win for the Celts. Seriously Rivers, threaten to trade him every day if it’ll motivate him to play like this. Rajon Rondo, having a phenomenal season, was also on fire, tying his season high of 16 assists and adding on 15 points.

It was too close for comfort, but at least the Big Green didn’t let the game slip away in the final minutes this time.

Popularity: 3% [?]