They are basketball's greatest team, a band of talented opportunists who can do everythingshoot with bull's-eye marksmanship, dissect a defense with pinpoint passes, and, for good measure, spice the exhibition with the tang of showmanship.
In fact, few teams have ever dominated their sport the way the Boston Celtics rule pro basketball. Going into this week's N.B.A. playoffs, they are top-heavy favorites to defend their league championship, are winning nearly four out of every five games. With two games still to play, the proud Celtics have already toted up 57 victories, five more than the league record they themselves set last year.
Team...