ALTHAM - Sometimes the best-laid plans of NBA coaches go awry.

Just ask Jim O'Brien about the fourth quarter against Indiana Wednesday night, when Boston was in danger of losing a game it had largely controlled. The Pacers' bigger lineup had the Celtics at a disadvantage, particularly with Reggie Miller matched against Kenny Anderson. With the game on the line, it was time to deviate from the game plan.

O'Brien walked down the bench to Erick Strickland and asked the point guard-shooting guard-small forward, ''How comfortable do you feel with the plays at point guard?''

Strickland, who has been with the team for just two weeks, responded, ''I pretty much know most of the plays at the position, for the most part.''