PHILADELPHIA - Joe Johnson reminded himself of the basketball he should be playing yesterday. And if his performance in the Rookie Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend carries over to the remainder of the season, the Celtics will be much better off.

``This was good for me,'' said Johnson after 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 21 minutes for the Rookies in their 103-97 victory over the Sophomores. ``A lot of times when I had the ball in my hands, I was coming down, making plays and setting up my teammates for good shots. That's what we need.''