In addition to disappointing, embarrassing and infuriating for the Celtics, Saturday's loss to the worst team in the NBA was something else. Instructive.

While watching the Bulls make their way back from a 16-point deficit to an 87-84 victory, the Celtics should have had Jim O'Brien's words ringing in their ears. The only game that matters is the one being played, streaks and confidence and other side dishes be damned.

The Celts saw their winning streak end at six because they played as if they believed in the streak and not in the little things that created it.

``We were probably starting to feel pretty big about things,'' Eric Williams said. ``Well, now it's back to the drawing board.''

O'Brien gave the Celts yesterday off to think about their tres-passes. They will practice today in preparation for tomorrow night's game in New York, secure in the knowledge that they ain't all that just yet.