OS ANGELES - One-third of the way home and the Celtics are seven games on the plus side? Applying the ol' if-somebody-had-told-you-etc. approach, shouldn't the Celtics be verging on giddiness?

No way. Human nature dictates that once you start having a little success, one of the most basic human traits kicks in, and it isn't gratitude. It is greed - pure, unvarnished, shameless greed. You become W-addicted. You want everything that should rightfully be coming to you, and a whole lot more that shouldn't.